Cameroon Lionesses receive top honours from Paul Biya

Cameroon’s African champions have received the country’s highest civilian recognition, with President Paul Biya honouring the Lionesses at the Unity Palace in Yaounde. The ceremony also marked Biya’s first public appearance since returning to Cameroon and ended a 74-day absence from public view.

Biya returned from Geneva on August 20 and hosted the team two days later. He presented each player with the insignia of Knight of the National Order of Valour, recognising their discipline, patriotism and determination during the tournament in Morocco. The award followed the Lionesses’ achievement of giving Cameroon its first continental title in women’s football.

The president’s address lasted about five minutes and praised the players’ collective strength, while also commending standout performances from Bihina and Monique Ngock. He extended the recognition to the technical staff, whose work he described as exceptional. The ceremony was held in a smaller reception room rather than the palace’s usual grand hall, with Biya joined by his wife Chantal, the prime minister and members of government.

The delegation was led by Samuel Eto’o. Group photographs and a toast followed the presentation, giving the champions an official welcome after their tournament success while providing Biya with his first substantial public engagement since his return.