By Olive Ejang Tebug
Football fans in Kumba who fasted and prayed for the Indomitable Lions to qualify for the African Nations Cup and World Cup, have called on President Paul Biya to use the money he promised the national team should they beat Egypt, to begin the tarring of the Mutengene-Kumba road.
This declaration was made immediately after Cameroon's I-I tie against Egypt on Saturday, enabling Ivory Coast to qualify for the World Cup.
They complained that after spending much energy on prayers, it was unfortunate that, they were disappointed, through carelessness, at the last stage.
They felt that if Pius Ndiefi had been fielded much earlier, things would have been different.
Most fans, who were dressed in green as they watched the match, blamed Pierre Wome Nlend for the Lions' ouster. The heavy downpour in Muyuka and Kumba and the blackout a few minutes before the end of the match, was interpreted by many as bad omen for the nation.
Beer parlours, that were full to capacity, were immediately deserted. By 10:00 pm on Saturday, the streets of Kumba were quiet, deserted.
A fan, Justine Nguimfack, told The Post that his plans of going to Germany for the World Cup have been shattered.
He said it was high time Cameroonians faced the problems plaguing the nation rather than clinging onto football for a unity that has failed.
He called on Biya to contact companies that had pledged to support the Lions, to join in financing the tarring of the Mutengene-Kumba road.
Nguimfack said if this were done, the most cherished unity would be achieved.
Some religious authorities have expressed joy over the Lions' defeat. According to them, Cameroonians have diverted the honour they are supposed to give God and concentrated it on the Indomitable Lions.
They cited issues like corruption, nepotism, discrimination and marginalisation, poor standards of living and hike in the prices of goods and services, which are affecting Cameroonians, yet the government, through football, is giving the impression that Cameroon is one.
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