Football/ Dispute over venue for Cameroon-Namibia Match: Eto’o’s Camp vs ONIES

In Cameroon, tensions are escalating as Samuel Eto’o, President of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), faces mounting opposition. The conflict involves a dispute with Joseph-Antoine Bell, Administrator of the National Office of Infrastructures and Equipment (ONIES), over the venue for the upcoming Cameroon-Namibia match scheduled for September 7, part of the CAN 2025 qualifiers.

Initially, ONIES approved the use of the Japoma Stadium in Douala. However, they later reversed their decision, citing concerns about the stadium’s pitch, which they claimed no longer meets minimum standards for play, athlete health, and aesthetic quality.

ONIES has recommended urgent maintenance, suggesting a 30-day refurbishment period.

Marc Brys, the new national coach, supports moving the match to the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, which ONIES asserts is ready and suitable for the game.

Despite this, Eto’o and Fecafoot insist on holding the match in Douala, as communicated to team captain Vincent Aboubakar and his teammates.

Joseph-Antoine Bell has criticized the ongoing debate, stating that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already certified four Cameroonian stadiums for international matches.

According to Bell, ONIES’ decision regarding Japoma Stadium’s availability is final, and Fecafoot must comply.

This ongoing dispute highlights a brewing controversy that could impact the upcoming fixture, showcasing the ongoing friction between Cameroon’s football administration and its stadium authorities.