Cameroonian football, once a source of immense national pride, has descended into a “sordid spectacle,” according to prominent lawyer Barrister Akere Muna, who blames “Hautes Instructions”. Muna’s social media post criticises the ongoing feud between Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), and Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education.
Muna highlights the public nature of the conflict, with “surrogates of warring factions” openly feuding at the Yaoundé Hilton hotel. He points out the lack of clear leadership, with each party claiming to act on “hautes instructions” (high instructions), a reference to the perceived influence of unnamed higher powers, governing Cameroon from the shadows.
Muna’s comments reflect a wider concern that the power struggle between Eto’o and Mouelle Kombi is damaging Cameroon’s reputation and hindering the development of the national team, the Indomitable Lions. The recent public spat regarding the coaching staff, with Eto’o initially firing coach Marc Brys before being forced to reinstate him, exemplifies the chaotic situation.
Muna concludes by expressing dismay at those who “gloat” at this situation. His message serves as a call to action for Cameroonian authorities to find a resolution and prioritize the well-being of the national sport.
