The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon who finished as runners-up at the last Africa Women’s Nations Cup, AWCON 2016 have received a presidential treat from their country’s president, Paul Biya.
Though beaten in the final by the Nigeria national women’s team, the Super Falcons, the Cameroon ladies are still being taken in high esteem.
They were given a red carpet treatment by the President and the First Lady, Chantal Biya, at the Unity Palace in Yaoundé on Thursday.
This is in sharp contrast to what the champions are going through in Nigeria.
On Thursday, the Super Falcons carried out a ‘sit-in protest’ to demand payment of their allowances a week after the AWCON 2016 ended.
Although they have received a congratulatory message by the president, it is not yet clear if and when the Falcons will be hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari.
In Cameroon, President Biya hailed the Lionesses for finishing respectably in the continental showpiece.
“You may not have won the final,” he said. “But you have managed to win our hearts and encourage our admiration.”
The Lionesses amassed four wins without conceding a goal before they were stopped in the final by Nigeria on December 3.
Desire Oparanozie’s late goal broke the heart of the Lionesses in last Saturday’s final.
That notwithstanding, the Cameroon President lauded coach Enow Ngachu and his team for a job well done.
“You obtained with panache, beautiful and important victories. By your talent, your courage, your commitment, and your eagerness to defend the colours of your country, you have wowed the nation as a whole,” he said.
President Biya, who described them as a source of inspiration to other youth in the country, encouraged the ladies to continue hoisting their country’s flag at their respective clubs, stating that “Cameroon is proud of you”.
Afterwards, team captain Christie Manie thanked the President and the First Lady for their continuous support which she said would spur them to more glorious days.
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