The Cameroonian football fraternity is in mourning following the sudden deaths of two former national team players, Che Sampson and Landry Nguemo.
Sampson, a 52-year-old midfielder nicknamed “Le Terrible Kadange” or “Gauche,” passed away in Buea, South West Region, on Thursday morning after a battle with diabetes. He was a prominent figure in the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, featuring in the match against Mozambique in Maputo in 1997.
Sampson’s career transcended playing. He captained Kumbo Strikers to a historic victory in the 2000 Cup of Cameroon, the first time an Anglophone team lifted the trophy. Throughout his playing days, he donned the jerseys of PWD Bamenda, Fovu of Baham, Prisons of Buea, Victoria United, Yong Sports Academy of Bamenda, and even APR of Rwanda.
Following retirement, Sampson remained actively involved in football, serving as a trainer, administrator, and legal advisor. He even founded his own club, St Stevens FC.
News of Sampson’s passing was swiftly followed by the announcement of Landry Nguemo’s death. The former midfielder succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident. Nguemo represented Cameroon’s national team, the Indomitable Lions, between 2006 and 2014, and was a familiar face for clubs like Girondins de Bordeaux and AS St. Etienne during his club career.
Tributes poured in from across the footballing world. The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) expressed their condolences on their official Facebook page, highlighting Nguemo’s time with the national team.
“FECAFOOT has learnt of the death of former Indomitable Lion, Landry Nguemo, following a road accident. The former player of Girondins de Bordeaux played for the national team of Cameroon between 2006 and 2014. FECAFOOT presents its condolences to his loved ones and the entire football family.”
Former teammate and current FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o Fils shared a photo of himself and Nguemo on his Instagram account, while coach Rigobert Song, another former teammate, expressed his grief on social media. “Landry leaves us very early. I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of my younger brother, Landry Nguemo. I send my condolences and all my support to the bereaved family as well as the entire sporting family,” he wrote.
Nguemo’s former clubs in France also paid homage on their social media platforms.
The sudden passing of these two football icons leaves a significant void in Cameroonian football. Their dedication to the sport, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.
