The world-renowned combat sports star, Francis Ngannou, has finally broken his silence after Cameroon’s defeat against Senegal in the AFCON 2023. After teasing the Senegalese during the competition’s draw, the Cameroonian boxer attempted to rally the struggling Indomitable Lions.
Francis Ngannou expected a much better performance from his country in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. As a keen football enthusiast, the former UFC champion, currently making waves in the world of boxing, is distressed by the performances of the Indomitable Lions since the start of AFCON 2023. Having initially boasted after the draw, taunting Sadio Mané and Senegal, Ngannou undoubtedly witnessed Friday’s debacle. With a crucial third match against Gambia approaching, a match that could alleviate their struggles, Ngannou has now spoken out.
Ngannou’s explosive statement
Just days before the fateful match against the Scorpions, who, according to the bizarre remarks of a Guinean player, don’t seem intimidating, tension is rising among Cameroonians. Following the opening draw against Guinea (1-1) and the defeat against Senegal (3-1), the Indomitable Lions must win against Gambia to have hopes of progressing in AFCON 2023. Even though, on paper, there may not be a close contest between Cameroon and Gambia, nothing is certain on the field given the current state of Rigobert Song’s team. Clearly, Francis Ngannou is aware of this.
On his Facebook account this Sunday, the native of Batié launched a strong tirade aimed at rekindling the pride of the players currently in Ivory Coast. “Guys, our charisma is under threat, our name is under threat, the legacy of Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o is under threat. We are losing the capital ‘L,’ without which we are no longer Indomitable Lions but just one lion among many,” began the 37-year-old fighter.
“Anyone talks badly about us”
Feeling targeted by opposing fans after his taunts against Senegal, the Predator doesn’t take kindly to insults and humiliations on social media. “Anyone talks to us any way (badly). Oh, they think they own the continent, oh, tell Ngannou to delete this (I don’t delete anything, and if it annoys you, jump, you’ll get stuck in the air), as if we are no longer a threat, and meanwhile, we prove them right. It’s time to regain our ferocity, our determination, our Hèmlé, so we won’t be confused anymore. Even grazing the grass, they invite us to the feast. It’s upside down,” reads Francis Ngannou’s message.
The message has been delivered. It remains to be seen whether these strong words will bring about any change in the Lions’ den, currently situated in Ivory Coast. Finally tamed by the Lions of Teranga, something that had never happened before in an AFCON, Cameroon must wake up to avoid a terrible humiliation. One thing is certain, the atmosphere is tense on the other side of AFCON 2023, specifically in Yamoussoukro, where the Cameroonian camp is based.
In the last few hours, there are reports of a major outburst from the president of FECAFOOT, Samuel Eto’o, towards Rigobert Song and his staff. As we mentioned, an immediate dismissal looms over those currently leading the national team. In any case, the coach recently reassured Cameroonians about the upcoming match against Gambia. We will see if he keeps his word this time after having bitten his tongue against Senegal.
Leave a Reply