On August 23, 2026, Cameroon's Minister of Sports, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, made a statement attributing the recent victory of the national women's football team, the Lionesses, to the "genius" of President Paul Biya. The comment was reported by local media and has generated mixed reactions.
The Lionesses had secured a significant win in a qualifying match for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. While the team's performance was praised, the minister's remarks shifted focus to the president's role, which some see as political rather than sporting.
Critics argue that the victory was due to the players' hard work and coaching, not political leadership. Supporters, however, echoed the minister's sentiment, crediting the president's support for women's sports.
As of now, no official statement from the presidency has been issued regarding the minister's comments. The Lionesses' next match is scheduled for September 2026.
