President Paul Biya Receives Indomitable Lionesses at Unity Palace After Historic WAFCON Triumph

Yaoundé, Cameroon — President Paul Biya welcomed Cameroon’s national women’s football team, the Indomitable Lionesses, at Unity Palace, celebrating their victory at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

President Biya's full address to the lionesses

“My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Unity Palace, to celebrate with you and the entire Cameroonian people your outstanding performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which has just taken place in Morocco. On 16 August in Rabat, you flew the Cameroonian flag on top of Africa by winning the 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in a spectacular manner. By the same token, you have qualified for the Women’s World Cup which will be hosted by Brazil in 2027. On behalf of my wife, on my own behalf, and on behalf of the entire Cameroonian nation, I heartily congratulate you on this exploit. You thrilled us throughout the matches with your courage, determination, commitment, and talent. You impressed us with your dynamism, your sense of discipline, your team spirit, and your show of solidarity. You amazed us with the performances of Bihina, Monique Ngock, and many others, but above all, with the sturdiness of your collective. You made us happy; you made us proud. On this day, the nation, through me, expresses its deepest gratitude to you. This gratitude naturally extends to your technical support team, who did an extraordinary job. Dear Indomitable Lionesses, on several occasions in the past, you reached the final of this competition. Unfortunately, the trophy always eluded you. But you did not lose heart. You picked yourselves up. You worked hard. You remained focused. You tried, and tried again, over and over. And in the end, you made it. Your exemplary track record should be a source of inspiration for our people, and especially for our youth. Dear Indomitable Lionesses, by lifting your first continental title, you have just written one of the finest chapters in our country’s sporting history. You earned this success through hard-fought battles, overpowering seasoned opponents. Other more daunting challenges lie ahead. I therefore urge you to stay the course, by remaining disciplined, united, and supportive of one another. For its part, the State will continue to give you the support you need. Keep it up! Keep making us dream! Keep winning and honouring your country. Thank you."

After the speech, President Biya emphasized that this historic triumph marks the first time the Lionesses have captured the continental title. Their victory also secures them a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The President urged the team to remain disciplined, united, and committed, promising continued state support.