By Mike Klaus
It’s been a turbulent few weeks for the President of Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o Fils, who is currently tangled in a damaging match-fixing scandal.
This comes a few weeks after a public fallout between the FECAFOOT President and his fourth vice president, Njalla Quan Jr, who also is president of Njalla Quan Sports Academy, a club based in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon.
The former ally of Samuel Eto’o Fils earned himself a 10-year suspension from FECAFOOT from all football-related activities for allegedly leaking inside information to the public.
Relations between the pair started taking a twist after the elimination of Njalla Quan Sports Academy in the semi-finals of the South West mini interpoles by Kumba FC.
Njalla Quan Jr said the elimination of his team was orchestrated by FECAFOOT, an allegation not taken lightly by the FECAFOOT president.
It was going to be the beginning of a squabble between Samuel Eto’o Fils and Njalla Quan Jr who decided to let loose. He organised a press conference, in which a series of damaging accusations were levied on Samuel Eto’o Fils and FECAFOOT.
Match fixing scandal exposed
Among a series of accusations from Njalla Quan Jr. is the release of an audio tape that has shaken the entire Cameroon football structure.
In the tape, the FECAFOOT president is heard assuring promotion to the Elite One division to Victoria United, A.K.A Oppopo.
In the record, Eto’o could be heard telling Mr. Nkwain Valentine, the President of Victoria United “Oppopo has to be promoted to the Elite One, that is our priority… this is our federation.”
In the record, Victoria United’s president is also heard complaining to Eto’o that some referees are not complying. The recorded call further exposes schemes by both men discussing about potentially suspending match officials.
Victoria United is believed to have witnessed an unprecedented rise from the bottom of the league to contending for a spot in the Elite One. Samuel Eto’o Fils has yet to give any formal reaction to the accusations.
Victoria United denies allegations
The president of Victoria United Football Club, Nkwain Valentine, has denied claims of being involved in any Match Fixing with FECAFOOT’s president Samuel Eto’o who said that Opopo (Victoria United) should be promoted to the first division.
On 11 December 2021, Eto’o was elected President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). The 42-year-old promised to revamp the country’s football federation and revamp the lost football glory of the national football team.
He has also questioned the authenticity of the recorded call. “We can not accept this manipulation, lies telling, and forgery,” Valentine said. “We wish to inform the public that the supposed voice note is not recognized by the president of our darling football club,” he added.
Eto’o and Onana
In a press conference held by Henry Njalla Quan after his suspension, he claimed Andre Onana left the squad in Qatar because of Samuel Eto’o. “Andre Onana and the coach have no problem.
He apologised to the coach after the match that same evening and even the next day in the presence of everyone prior to the training session.
The problem between ONANA and the President of FECAFOOT is of a non-professional nature but I will not reveal that here. The call-up of André ONANA to the den is conditioned by the president of FECAFOOT,” he claimed
He also accused Eto’o of stifling the Indomitable Lions players, with his assertive aura. “The players of the national team feel stifled by a personality who himself was a football star. He wants to remain a star forever even as a leader, always showing up at team meetings and training sessions, even he feels stifled.” Njalla Quan claimed.
Mimi Mefo Info
