In response to derogatory comments made by former Senegalese player El Hadji Diouf about Cameroon, former Cameroon football star Mohamadou Idrissou, popularly known as Tchoki Tchoki, has passionately defended his country. Diouf had labelled Cameroon as a “continental hotel” and alleged that some Cameroonians supported this characterization.
Diouf had remarked, “Cameroon thinks it’s the continent, but it’s more like the Continental Hotel.” He further expressed concern about the regression of Cameroonian football, attributing it to management issues within the football federation. He lamented, “Cameroon has regressed a lot, and I feel bad for the Cameroonian fans. They are resting on their past, and it’s sad.”
Responding to Diouf’s comments, Idrissou voiced his displeasure on social media, saying, “A villager like Diouf addressing Cameroon and Cameroonians; that our country has become a continental hotel, and some of you are supporting that. ‘He said nothing bad’? Are you fools, are you all crazy?” He questioned Diouf’s right to speak about Cameroon, emphasizing the importance of patriotism, stating, “Even if someone wants to talk about Cameroon, not Diouf. Did he go to AFCON for Cameroon or Senegal? Has the name Cameroon become anything that he can just call anyhow? Do you guys really love your country? People die for their countries.”
Idrissou also criticised Diouf’s track record, asking, “If Diouf was a great player, why wasn’t he appointed in his country? If he was important in Senegal, why didn’t they appoint him as coach or president of the federation? Useless man. It’s because of his bad mouth and his mentality that he was sacked everywhere. That kind of man will run your country down, and you’re there supporting…
Closing his statement, Idrissou asserted, “We have five stars. How many stars does Senegal have? Close your big mouth. Close it.”
Diouf’s remarks have incited widespread outrage among Cameroonians, prompting many to take to social media in defense of their nation. Some have deemed Diouf’s comments disrespectful and ignorant, while others accuse him of seeking attention.
Similar to the sentiments expressed by numerous Cameroonians in response to Diouf’s comments, Idrissou has made it abundantly clear that he will not tolerate such disparaging remarks directed at a football nation as illustrious as Cameroon.
