Théophile Abéga, former captain of the 1984 African champions Indomitable Lions, passed away early on Thursday at Yaoundé General Hospital. Abéga had been hospitalized since his return from a business trip to the United States two weeks prior. Although he appeared to be improving, the exact causes of his death are not yet known.
Voted the best African player in 1984, Abéga played a crucial role in the Indomitable Lions’ impressive performance at the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where they finished without defeat. He had notable stints with Canon Yaoundé and Toulouse during the 1984-1985 season. After his football career, he served as the mayor of Yaoundé IV.
Aurélien Chedjou, the Cameroonian international defender for Lille, paid tribute to Abéga, describing him as a big brother who brought people together.
