Government Rejects Claims That the Team Was Left Without Support.
Cameroon’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, has defended the government’s financial support for the Indomitable Lionesses during their historic 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The minister’s defence came after reports and accusations during the tournament suggested that players were facing problems over bonuses and other financial commitments.
In a statement issued on August 12, Mouelle Kombi insisted that there was “no problem” concerning bonuses within the Cameroonian delegation. He said the government had made arrangements to cover the team’s preparation and participation, including transportation, accommodation, meals, medical supervision and player bonuses.
More Than CFA2.4 Billion Was Allocated.
According to figures released by the ministry, the government approved a budget of CFA2.447 billion for the Lionesses’ preparation and participation in the tournament. The allocation consisted of a fixed tranche of about CFA1.404 billion and a conditional tranche of CFA1.043 billion, to be released progressively depending on the team’s performance.
Other reporting put the broader state expenditure at approximately CFA2.736 billion, after additional spending of more than CFA288 million was included. The figures underline the scale of public investment behind Cameroon’s campaign in Morocco.
Government Support Continued Through the Final.
The government’s backing became particularly visible as Cameroon advanced through the knockout stages. Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute travelled to Rabat before the final against Malawi, carrying a message from President Paul Biya and conveying additional support to the team.
Cameroon eventually defeated Malawi 3–0 on August 16 to win its first WAFCON title. At a reception for the champions on August 22, President Biya reaffirmed that the state would continue supporting the Lionesses as they prepare for future competitions, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Debate Is About More Than Money.
The government’s position is important because the Lionesses’ success has renewed debate over how Cameroon finances its national teams. While public funding has played a significant role in the women’s team’s campaign, questions remain about how efficiently such resources are managed and whether players and technical staff receive their entitlements on time.
For the government, the WAFCON triumph provides evidence that its investment can produce results. For critics, however, success on the pitch should not prevent continued scrutiny of how public funds are allocated and administered.
Cameroon’s first WAFCON title has therefore transformed the discussion around government support. The state can point to billions of CFA francs committed to the campaign and a historic trophy to show for it, but the next challenge will be ensuring that this support becomes consistent, transparent and sustainable as the Lionesses prepare for the much bigger stage of the 2027 World Cup.
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