At Unity Palace reception: Biya hails Lionesses for winning WAFCON, calls for discipline….

The President of the Republic made the appeal at the Unity Palace on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Unity Palace. 

That was during a special reception, organised in honour of the Lionesses. Several members of government attended the solemn ceremony in the company of senior officials of the Presidency.

Also present was the President of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, Samuel Eto’o Fils. 

Biya, in his address, celebrated the outstanding performance of the team at the 2026 WAFCON. He praised the team, whom he said “flew the Cameroonian flag on top of Africa” by winning the continent’s most prized women’s trophy. 

According to Biya, the team achieved the feat “in a spectacular manner”. 

The Cameroon women’s national team, it is important to recall, topped Group D of the 2026 WAFCON with seven points. 

The reigning WAFCON champions finished the tournament unbeaten and also defeated the defending champions, Nigeria, in the quarter-final. They also defeated back-to-back runners-up, Morocco, in the semi-final to reach their fourth WAFCON final, where they defeated Malawi 3-0 in Rabat. 

“…On behalf of my wife, on my own behalf and on behalf of the entire Cameroonian nation, I heartily congratulate you on this exploit,” Biya said. 

Biya, who is also referred to as the country’s number one sports man added that: “You thrilled us throughout the matches with your courage, determination, commitment and talent. You impressed us with your dynamism, your sense of discipline, your team spirit and your show of solidarity”.  

Biya mentioned that the team “made us happy; you made us proud”. He described the team’s stellar run as “extraordinary” and expressed the nation's deepest gratitude. 

National recognition, houses 

During the reception, President Biya decorated the 35 members of the delegation, including all 26 players and the technical staff with State medals. 

The players received the insignia of Knight of the Order of Valour, in recognition of their exemplary service to the nation. 

The Head of State also announced that each player and member of the coaching staff will be gifted a house. 

Biya calls for unity, discipline 

The Head of State seized the occasion to prescribe unity and discipline in the team, as they look forward to future challenges. 

Biya said by lifting their first continental title, the team has written one of the finest chapters in the country’s sporting history. 

He said they earned the success “through hard-fought battles, and overpowering seasoned opponents”.  

He added that: “Other more daunting challenges lie ahead. I therefore urge you to stay the course, by remaining disciplined, united and supportive of one another”.

It should be recalled that by winning the 2026 WAFCON, the women’s national team of Cameroon also secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

The quadrennial football tournament will take place in Brazil, from June 24 to July 25, 2027.

The Indomitable Lionesses will be featuring at the tournament for the third time, after participating in the 2015 and 2019 tournaments. 

Biya has pledged the support of the State to the team. He promised that the State will continue “to give you the support you need”.  

He challenged them to “keep winning and honouring your country.” 

Lionesses a source of inspiration

President Biya lauded the team as inspiration “for our peoples, and especially for our youth.” 

“On several occasions in the past, you reached the final of this competition. Unfortunately, the trophy always eluded you,” Biya recalled.  

“But you did not lose heart. You picked yourselves up. You worked hard. You remained focused. You tried, and tried again, over and over. And in the end, you made it,” Biya added. 

Players thank Biya for recognition 

Players of the women’s national team thanked President Biya for the recognition. Indomitable Lionesses midfielder, Monick Ngock, who was named Player of The Tournament at the 2026 WAFCON, said it was a unique experience.

“It is extraordinary. I do not even have words. I used to see the President only on television. Right now, I have the chance to see him. It is something special,” Ngock said. 

Defender, Easther Mayi-Kith, said they were honoured by the reception and recognition from the President of the Republic. 

“I feel honoured. I would not have imagined being here right now. I am very happy that we could succeed and bring the trophy home to the President,” Mayi Kith said. 

She added that: “We will give everything. Now that we have had a taste of victory. We will give everything to bring home another trophy”. 

Forward, Michaela Abam, said: “Honestly, it is a blessing. We are really grateful. Thank you to the President of the Republic and The First Lady. We are very grateful. We would not have dreamt of it but this is a wonderful journey. We are honoured. What an experience!”

The Indomitable Lionesses triumph was a redemption for the team, after they endured heartbreaks in the finals of the 2004, 2014 and 2016 editions against eternal rivals, Nigeria.

They have become only the fourth nation to win the WAFCON title, joining 10-time champions, Nigeria, two-time winners, Equatorial Guinea and 2022 winners, South Africa.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3888 of Monday August 24, 2026