The President of the Cameroonian Football Association, Samuel Eto’o, has extended invitations to Nigeria’s football luminaries for a ceremonial tournament in Victoria City, Cameroon.
However, a stark warning looms over the anticipated event, as a separatist group, the Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government, has cautioned that the invited players risk their lives if they attend.
The ominous message was conveyed in a voice recording sent to DAILY POST by Comrade Chris Anon, who claims to lead the Ambazonia Interim Government based in the United States.
The separatist group, advocating for the independence of Southwest Cameroon, specifically targeted former Nigerian national football captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and other ex-Super Eagles stars, urging them not to honor Eto’o’s invitation.
Eto’o had envisioned the tournament as a platform to foster relationships and promote football development in Cameroon.
However, the Ambazonia separatists vehemently denounced the event, labeling it a mockery of the Ambazonian people and issuing a stern directive for a total lockdown on Victoria City and Fako County on the specified date.
Residents were explicitly warned to remain indoors during the lockdown, with the separatist group threatening lethal consequences for any violation of the order.
The voice message from Anon emphasized the Restoration Fighters’ commitment to ensuring the lockdown, underscoring their unwavering determination to safeguard the integrity of Ambazonia’s independence struggle, and issuing a chilling warning of no mercy for those who attempt to disregard the lockdown.
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The situation raises concerns about the potential impact on diplomatic and sporting relations between the two nations.
Parts of the voice message stated, “The Restoration Fighters of Ambazonia Control Victoria and entire county and are committed to ensuring the lockdown. Our determination to safeguarding the integrity of Ambazonia independence struggle will not be deterred. We show no mercy for any persons who attempt to disregard the lockdown.
“It is essential to emphasise the severity of the situation and to caution against actions that could be misconstrued as aligning with any forms of propaganda.
“The football match proposed by Samuel Eto’o is very controversial; it is a misguided and insensitive initiative.
“That decision to involve international players from Nigeria is deeply troubling.
“The timing and location of the tournament give rise to suspicions.
“We seriously and strongly caution Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and others who are promoting and preparing to participate in the tournament to reconsider their involvement as their participation may unintentionally result in bloodshed.
“We cannot help but question Samuel Eto’o’s decision to organize this tournament in Victoria, an Ambazonia territory that has been marred by war for over seven years, for which 30,000 Ambazonians have been killed.
“It raises legitimate concerns about potential exploitation of the situation for purposes that are not in the best interests of Victoria and Ambazonia in general.” #Cameroon