By Washira Helene
Cameroonian football mascot Ngando Pickett received financial support from Ivorians amid controversy and criticism from his compatriots, after he cried out about being abandoned in Ivory Coast.
Ivorian company Africa Mine and influencer Klikansosso offered him FCFA 1.4 million to transport himself and his crew back to the country, after they were reportedly abandoned by the Cameroon Football Federation.
Ngando Pickett, renowned for his dedicated support for the Indomitable Lions, issued an outcry on Wednesday, January 31, about being stranded in Ivory Coast with no means of transporting himself back to the country.
He had journeyed to the West African nation to cheer on the national football team at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, his trip took an unexpected turn as he found himself abandoned and in need of transportation after Cameroon’s elimination from the tournament.
Amidst pleas to FECAFOOT and Cameroon’s First Lady Chantal Biya for support, Ngando Pickett resorted to social media.
He requested financial help amounting to FCFA 1.4 million, claiming that he had been deceived by FECAFOOT.
This money, he said, would fund for his return journey to Cameroon along with his crew of seven members.
Cameroonians Respond With Criticisms
Ngando’s plea for help drew mixed reactions from Cameroonians, with many questioning his decision to travel to Ivory Coast uninvited and seeking assistance afterward.
Critics argued that he should find his own way back home, using the means he employed to get there in the first place.
“Who first sent you to Ivory Coast? Use the same means you used in getting there to get back home. You should be ashamed of calling out people on this at your old age. Maybe you should consider taking a rest” a Facebook user wrote.
Another Cameronian Facebook user wrote: “Did Fecafoot ask you to come to Ivory Coast nor Chantal Biya? Stop seeking for notice. No one is entitled to help you. Find your way back home on your own.”
Ngando and his crew traveled to Ivory Coast by road, after Cameronian football authorities allegedly abandoned him in the country.
Ivorians Step In
Touched by Ngando’s plea, Ivorian company Africa Mine and influencer Klikansosso stepped in, offering the necessary financial support for the football enthusiast’s return.
Ivorians’ response to Ngando’s call for help accentuated the historical camaraderie and shared cultural ties between Cameroonians and Ivorians.
Despite historical beefs and online banter between the two nations, the Ivorian intervention showcased a gesture of kindness transcending national boundaries.
Cameroonians and Ivorians have a long history of online rifts. Both countries are constantly beefing each other despite being fondly considered as ‘in-laws’.
The ‘in-law’ appellation stems from several cases of inter marriages between citizens of both countries. Notable among these is the marriage between Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o and the Ivorian woman, Georgette Eto’o.
Also, popular Cameroonian singer, Tenor, had a longtime relationship with an Ivorian woman, Eunice Zenon, before they part ways.
Aside from inter marriage, Cameronian musicians have a history of collaboration with Ivorians, notably Cameronian Bikutsi singers Mani Bella and Lady Ponce, and Ivorian musicians Apouchou and Bebi Phillip.
Given this historical ties, some Cameroonians did not see it surprising for Ivorians stepping in to support Ngando Pickett’s return home.
However, others deemed it shameful for Cameroonians failing to support their compatriot who has cheered on the national football team for almost 26 years now.
Ngando’s experience, according to some, sheds light on the often-overlooked sacrifices made by fans in their unwavering support for their teams.
While some Cameroonians criticized Ngando for seeking external help, others saw it as a reflection of a larger issue – the lack of support for dedicated fans who contribute significantly to the spirit of national sports.
Cameroonian entrepreneur and politician Nourane Foster initially pledged support for Ngando’s return.
However, as controversy and differing opinions continued, it remains unclear if the promised assistance materialized.
