Fearing Olembe Stadium may not host AFCON final, President Biya orders inquiry into Monday’s stampede

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has instructed that an inquiry be carried out to determine the exact circumstances that led to a stampede outside the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

He sent the Secretary-General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh on a fact-finding mission to the Olembe Stadium.

During Cameroon’s round of 16 clash against Comoros Islands, a stampede occurred outside the stadium killing 8 people with close to 40 others injured.

The unfortunate incident led to the suspension of the stadium as the quarter-final match that was supposed to take place there was moved to the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium.

After the incident, CAF president Patrice Motsepe ordered the Cameroon government to provide a report on the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy and majors to ensure the physical safety of fans and players.

The decision of CAF to relocate the quarter-final match has kept government officials holding secret meetings as there are fears the Olembe Stadium might not host the February 6 finals.

CAF is expected to take a final decision on the issue once they receive the report from the government of Cameroon.

Timfuchi Aaron