A group of Cameroonian supporters are experiencing difficult times in Côte d’Ivoire as they are unable to afford their return trip home. They are pleading for assistance from Cameroonian authorities and the public.
Cameroon was eliminated in the round of 16 at the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) during the match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday, January 27, 2024, with a score of 2-0 at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. Following this, Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), his team members, the players, and the majority of the supporters returned to their homeland.
Unfortunately, a group of supporters remained in Abidjan due to lack of funds. This information was made public online by the legendary supporter of the Indomitable Lions, Henry Mouyebe, better known by his nickname “Ngando Pickett.” He, who also likes to be called the “twelfth player,” has issued an SOS to his compatriots. “We await your support to be able to take the plane and return to Yaoundé. FECAFOOT has already returned. We have been abandoned. We are stuck in Abidjan. We need 1,400,000 CFA francs for the return air tickets. We are suffering in Abidjan, it’s not going well,” he cries for help.
The 72-year-old No. 1 supporter of the Cameroonian team, who is still in Abidjan with 6 other members of his animation team, is also requesting “consular laissez-passers” to return home without any trouble.
It should be noted that Ngando Pickett had already issued his first cry for help when he wanted to travel to Côte d’Ivoire. He did not have sufficient funds and did not want to travel by land. In response, FECAFOOT positively answered his call for help and supported him with his travel and stay in the Ivory Coast.
