Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguele says her side’s run to the CAN Feminine 2026 final has been built on unity and collective effort, as the Indomitable Lionesses prepare to face Malawi on Sunday.
Nguele, appointed just two months ago, spoke at a news conference on Saturday, 15 August, expressing her pride at taking Cameroon to the brink of another continental title. She also credited her coaching staff and thanked FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o for giving her the opportunity to lead the team.
“Indeed, it is an immense source of pride to experience these moments. I think that two months ago, very few people would have imagined that we would be here today. It has been exactly two months since I took charge of this team, and above all I would like to thank the president of FECAFOOT, Mr Samuel Eto’o, for the trust he placed in me by choosing me, as well as my colleagues,” Nguele said.
The coach emphasised that Cameroon’s progress has not been the work of one individual. Instead, she highlighted the strength of a united backroom team whose experience, skills and personal qualities have helped create the current momentum around the Lionesses.
“I am fortunate to work with competent, experienced people who possess enormous human and professional qualities. They support me every day and help me to give the best of myself. This success is above all the result of genuine teamwork,” she said.
Nguele specifically named Philippe Ciccarini, the team’s physical trainer, and Frederic Anikine, the goalkeeping coach, as important contributors to the side’s development. She said each member of the staff had played a part in building a positive working environment.
“We work in an atmosphere of seriousness, trust and excellent collaboration. Whether it is with Mr Les, Philippe, our physical trainer, or Frederic, the goalkeeping coach, everyone contributes to the building. It is the work of an entire team united around the same objective.”
The final will bring Cameroon up against Malawi, with both teams now within 90 minutes of the tournament’s top prize. While Cameroon will aim to complete its campaign with another continental triumph, Malawi will be seeking to win the CAN Feminine for the first time and place its name on the competition’s roll of honour.
Nguele acknowledged the emotion surrounding the occasion but made clear that reaching the final was not the end of Cameroon’s ambition.
“Today, I am deeply moved and grateful. I give thanks to the Lord for everything he has allowed us to experience, and I hope that this beautiful adventure will continue for a long time,” she said.
The Cameroon-Malawi final takes place on Sunday, with the Indomitable Lionesses looking to turn their unexpected progress under Nguele into a new continental title.
