A separatist group has threatened the lives of Nigerian football stars if they attend a ceremonial tournament in Victoria City, Cameroon, on Thursday, 30 November 2023, hosted by President of the Cameroonian Football Association, Samuel Eto’o.
One Comrade Chris Anon, identifying himself as the leader of the Ambazonia Interim Government situated in the United States of America, issued the warning in a voice message transmitted to a correspondent from MISMOB.
Eto’o wanted to foster international connections and further the growth of football in Cameroon, so he invited some of the biggest names in the sport, including some from Nigeria.
Former Super Eagles players Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and others were advised by independence activists from Southwest Cameroon, the Restoration Fighters of the Ambazonia Interim Government, not to accept Eto’o’s invitation.
They stressed that if the warning is disregarded, their safety is not guaranteed.
This tournament was a snub to the Ambazonian people, according to the anonymous speaker.
On the specified Thursday, 30 November 2023, the separatist group has ordered a complete lockdown of Victoria City and all of Fago County.
Residents were ordered to stay indoors or face execution if they disobeyed the order.
The statement included the lines “The Restoration Fighters of Ambazonia Control Victoria and entire county and are committed to ensuring the lockdown.” Our dedication to preserve the integrity of Ambazonia independence struggle will not be wavered. Those who defy the lockdown will be met with zero tolerance from us.
We must stress the gravity of the situation and warn against doing anything that could be interpreted as supporting misinformation.
“Samuel Eto’o’s proposal for a football game is highly divisive; it’s a thoughtless and insensitive idea.
The move to bring in Nigerian international players is really concerning.
It’s suspicious that the event would be held at this time and place.
Since the participation of Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and others who are advertising and preparing for the tournament may unintentionally result in bloodshed, we urgently caution them to reconsider their involvement.
We have to question Samuel Eto’o’s judgment in holding this tournament in Victoria, Ambazonia, where civil conflict has raged for seven years and claimed the lives of thirty thousand people.
To paraphrase, “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.”