Cameroonian separatist group, the Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government has told former Nigerian national football captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and other ex-Super Eagles players not to honour the President of the Cameroonian Football Association, Samuel Eto’o’s invitation for a ceremonial tournament in Victoria City, Cameroon.
The group warned that the invited players risk their lives if they attend.
Ambazonian rebels have been in an armed conflict with the Cameroonian military since 2017, in what is known as the Anglophone Crisis, forming a government-in-exile and capturing some territory. As of 2023, no country has recognized Ambazonia’s existence.
Comrade Chris Anon, the self-acclaimed leader of the Ambazonia Interim Government based in the United States gave the warning recently through voice message..
Eto’o envisioned the tournament as a platform to deepen relationships and foster football development in Cameroon.
Meanwhile, the Ambazonia separatists have vehemently denounced the event, describing it as a mockery of the Ambazonian people and giving them a stern directive for a total lockdown on Victoria City and Fako County on the specified date.
The group warned civilians to stay indoors during the lockdown, threatening lethal consequences for any violation of the order.
The situation raises concerns about the impact on diplomatic and sporting relations between Nigeria and Cameroun.
According to the Daily Post, part 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 emphasize 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.”
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