FOOTBALL IN CAMEROON
Africa is one of the world’s most passionate continents when it comes to football and Cameroon is amongst its most decorated football nations, having secured the Africa Cup of Nations crown on five occasions (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and most recently in 2017). The country has produced its fair share of legendary players, including the likes of Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o, whose performances have inspired their country and wowed global audiences. Talking of inspirational displays, how can we possibly forget the Indomitable Lions’ heroic run at the 1990 FIFA World Cup Italy™ that broke new ground for African teams on the biggest stage of all? Cameroon became the first African nation to reach the quarter finals after enjoying one of the finest campaigns ever produced by an underdog at the FIFA World Cup™. That team became pioneers for future generations, and Roger Milla’s corner flag dance remains one of the most iconic goal celebrations ever seen. Indeed, Cameroon’s exploits on Italian soil helped to put African football on the map. The most popular sport in Cameroon, football is considered to play an important role in nation building.
CAMEROON FACT FILE
Population: approximately 28 million
National football governing body: Cameroonian Football Association (FECAFOOT), founded in 1959 and affiliated to FIFA in 1962
National team nickname: the Indomitable Lions/Lionesses
FIFA World Cup™ campaigns: 8 (1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2022)
FIFA Women’s World Cup™ campaigns: 2 (2015, 2019)
FIFA/Coca-Cola World ranking: 42nd (updated 6 April 2023)
FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World ranking: 56th (updated 24 March 2023)