Dear Indomitable Lions,
My wife and I wish you a warm welcome to Unity Palace.
I wish to extend to you my heartfelt congratulations, as well as those of the Cameroonian people as a whole, for brilliantly winning the just-ended Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
I am proud of you. We are all proud of you. All of Cameroon from North to South and from East to West vibrated to the rhythm of your exploits.
From Yaounde to Douala, from Bamenda to Bertoua, from Garoua to Bafoussam, from Maroua to Buea, from Ngaoundere to Ebolowa, your resounding victory, which was won in grand style, brought Cameroonians great jubilation.
Our national women’s football team, the Indomitable Lionesses, had raised the bar very high. You were able to clear that bar.
You proved all forecasts wrong. You challenged the most formidable and most experienced teams.
And, as the saying goes, you put them in the soup!
You really dealt with them!
Dear Indomitable Lions,
This outstanding performance and these excellent victories were only possible because you remained united, close-knit, together, courageous, generous and determined!
You constitute a block, solid as a rock. You are talented. You love your country and are ready to sacrifice for it. That is what made the difference!
Like our brave soldiers who, each day at our borders, are ready for the supreme sacrifice to defend our fatherland, you did not hesitate to heed the call to the colours!
Like them, you are an excellent example, a good inspiration for our People as a whole and, especially, our youth.
The message you have conveyed is clear. Whether from the North or South, from the East or West, you are first and foremost Cameroonians. Whether your name is MOUKANDJO, ONDOA, NGADEU, ABOUBAKAR, FAI, BASSOGOG or NDIP TAMBE, you are first and foremost Cameroonians; Cameroonians who love their country and are prepared to sacrifice all to fly its flag high.
Your wonderful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations is yet another proof that when Cameroonians are united and together, nothing can stop them.
Therefore, let me solemnly state here that: Nothing can stop Cameroon! Together, we will meet all the challenges and continue to forge ahead to new victories.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to warmly congratulate the management of the Indomitable Lions and, most especially, the Head Coach Hugo Broos, as well as the entire technical staff on their absolutely remarkable job.
I also wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our football authorities, especially the Ministry of Sports, FECAFOOT, and all those who have contributed in one way or another to this brilliant victory.
I thank the Gabonese people and authorities for their hospitality and the excellent organization of the competition.
Lastly, I congratulate the Cameroonian People as a whole for their patriotic spirit. They were never in doubt. Even at the most difficult moments, they rallied around our team. It should be acknowledged that they deserved this victory.
Dear Indomitable Lions,
As you prepare to return to your respective clubs, I would like, on behalf of all Cameroonians, to once again say Bravo and Thank You! Keep it up! Win more victories!
To your future opponents, I say:
Beware! The Indomitable Lions are back!
Thank you.
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