Cameroon President Paul Biya at the weekend treated the Indomitable Lionesses to a grand reception despite losing 1-0 to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the final of the Africa Women Cup of Nations.
This is just as the Africa Champions, the Super Falcons are still feeling wasted and wounded as they continued with their sit-tight protest in Abuja over their unpaid allowances.
President Biya, his wife Chantal and a host of government officials thronged the State House venue of the reception to receive their team that never conceded any goal in the tournament until Desire Oparanozie’s super strike in the 81st minute crushed Cameroonian spirits in the tension soaked game in Yaounde on December 3.
But Biya told the Lionesses that Cameroon was grateful for the resilience of the team. He said that with their exploits they were an example of courage, solidarity, team spirit, characteristics that show their love for the fatherland.
“Cameroon says thank you” the President concluded.
As for the Super Falcons there isn’t any presidential handshake of commendation. One of the players said yesterday that they are still staying put in their hotel until they were paid their outstanding allowances.
The Nigeria Football Federation paid a token of about $200 into the accounts of the players, but according to them they are not moving an inch.
“Can you just imagine how we are being treated. The sports minister even said he was not expecting us to win, how sad and disappointed can one ever feel?
“The NFF paid N100,000 into our bank accounts on Friday and pleaded that we should go. No way. We want our money in full, said the young player.
