Unity Palace reception:

President BIYA decorates Indomitable Lions                       

The President of the Republic has awarded medals to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Champions of the 2017 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Gabon from 14 January to 5 February 2017. This was during a reception offered the players at the Banquet Hall of the Unity Palace on Wednesday 8 February 2017.

                Paul BIYA used the occasion to congratulate the players for their resilience and especially the patriotism they demonstrated throughout the tournament. He said their victory should serve as an example to the youth and the entire nation because it is only in unity that Cameroon can overcome its challenges and move towards emergence.

                “Everybody must consider themselves Cameroonian no matter their origin,” Biya said.

                President Paul BIYA equally commended the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, BidoungMkpatt; the head coach of the squad, Hugo Broos, and his collaborators; and the President of FECAFOOT, TombiAroko.

                Medals were later awarded to the players and the technical staff. The Head of State raised NgidjolNlend Andre and AlioumBoukar to “Commanders of the National Order of Valour”, while the other recipients were decorated “Knights of the Order of Valour”.

                The captain of the Indomitable Lions,BenjaminMoukandjo seized the opportunity to thank the Presidential Couple, whose messages of encouragement spurred themto conquer their opponents. He also acknowledged Coach Hugo Broos and all Cameroonians who believed in them.

                In attendance were state dignitaries: the President of the Senate, Marcel NIAT NJIFENJI; the Speaker of the National Assembly, CAVAYE YEGUIE DJIBRIL; the Prime Minister Head of Government, Philemon YANG; Members of Government, the Diplomatic Community, senior military officers and special guests.