Cameroon President Paul Biya has promised to provide a house for every member of the country’s women’s national football team and their coaching staff following their historic victory at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Indomitable Lionesses were received at the Presidential Unity Palace in Etoudi on Saturday, 22 August, after winning Cameroon’s first-ever Women’s AFCON title in Morocco.
President Biya and his wife, Chantal Biya, hosted the champions at a ceremony celebrating their achievement, with the president praising the team for a victory he said could inspire young people across Cameroon.
The biggest reward announced during the reception was the promise of a house for each player and member of the coaching staff.
President Biya said the players should not have to live in rented accommodation after what they had achieved for the country.
The announcement adds to the financial rewards already given to the team. The Lionesses had received more than 50 million CFA francs in bonuses following their triumph in Morocco.
Cameroon secured the continental title on 16 August after defeating Malawi 4-0 in the final.
The victory brought an end to a difficult run for the Lionesses, who had previously lost three Women’s AFCON finals before finally claiming the trophy.
Their success in Morocco represented a landmark moment for women’s football in Cameroon and gave the national team its first continental championship at senior women’s level.
The reception at the Unity Palace provided an opportunity for the government to publicly recognise the players and staff behind the achievement.
President Biya praised their performance and described their victory as an achievement capable of inspiring the country’s younger generation.
He also urged the players to maintain their progress as they look towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The ceremony was attended by Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, FECAFOOT, who was also congratulated for his work surrounding the national team.
The presidential couple presented the players with gifts during the reception, including flowers and music players.
However, the promise of homes for the players and coaching staff was the announcement that attracted the greatest attention.
For the Lionesses, the gesture represents another significant recognition following their historic success in Morocco.
The team entered the final having already overcome years of disappointment after three previous defeats at the final stage of the competition.
This time, they produced a commanding performance against Malawi, scoring four goals without reply to secure the championship.
The achievement has elevated the profile of the women’s national team and strengthened expectations around its future.
President Biya’s call for the players to maintain their momentum also points towards the next major challenge: the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The Lionesses will now have to build on their continental success as they prepare for the global stage.
The president’s decision to promise homes to both the players and members of the coaching staff means the reward extends beyond those who featured on the pitch.
It recognises the wider group involved in delivering Cameroon’s breakthrough Women’s AFCON triumph.
