Sports

Cameroon U16 Lions jet out to France for Montaigu tournament.

by Mercy Fosoh
15 Apr 2025 19:51
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Cameroon players before departure to France Sunday

The Under 16 national football team of Cameroon headed out to France on Sunday, ahead of the 2025 World Football Montaigu, one of the most prestigious international youth football competitions organised in the European country.
The Cameroonian delegation to the competition is led by the third vice president of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, Arthur Djampi.

Head coach, Jean Pierre Fiala Fiala retained 18 players for the tournament.

Before heading to France, the team camped for over a week in Yaounde, playing three friendlies.

In the first test game, the U16 Lions defeated Frank Football Academy 6-1.

The team went on to record a 3-1 comeback against CEFJEFOOT Sport Academy in their second game before being held to a 1-1 draw by the same CEFJEFOOT boys in the return fixtures.

Prior to their departure to France yesterday, the U16 Lions held their final training session in the morning of Saturday April 12, at the FECAFOOT Technical Centre stadium.

The players had a light session focused on reviewing their technical skills, speed, agility, preferred circuit, and tactical setup. They later received their parents and friends who had come to bid them goodbye.

Cameroon’s U16 team boasts an impressive history at Montaigu, having won the tournament four times in 1986, 1993, 1994, and 1995.

Their return in 2025 marks an exciting development for African football, as the Indomitable Lions will aim to add another title to their record.

Cameroon will now compete in Group A alongside Cote d’Ivoire, China, and host nation France.

England, Japan, Mexico and Portugal will play in Group B.

Cameroon’s first outing at this year’s tournament will be tomorrow against Cote d’ivoire.

Two days later, they will face China and will conclude the group phase against host France on April 19

The Montaigu tournament which kicked of Monday April 14 will run till April 21.

About the tournament

Founded in 1973, the Montaigu Tournament, also known as the Mondial Minimes, is an international youth football competition featuring U16 national teams and clubs.

It has long been a platform for showcasing emerging football talent.

Football fans can expect thrilling matches as young talents from around the world showcase their skills on one of youth football’s biggest stages.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3420 of Monday April 14, 2025