Biya confirms rewards after Cameroon’s historic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has promised a house for every member of the national women’s team after their historic victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Indomitable Lionesses were received by the president at the presidential palace on Saturday, almost a week after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final on 16 August in Rabat, Morocco.

The players presented the trophy to Biya during the ceremony, where the head of state praised their achievement and paid tribute to the team’s success.

Biya also highlighted the performances of Michaely Bihina and Monique Ngock, who were named the tournament’s best goalkeeper and best player respectively.

Each player is already due to receive a bonus of 52 million CFA francs, worth just over 79,000 euros. The president has now added the promise of a house for every member of the newly crowned African champions.

The announcement provides further recognition for a team whose success has been celebrated across Cameroon. Their victory over Malawi secured the title in emphatic fashion, with the 3-0 scoreline completing a landmark campaign for the national side.

The reception at the presidential palace gave the players the opportunity to display the trophy in front of the country’s leader. It also served as an official tribute to the squad and to the individuals who received the tournament’s major awards.

Bihina was recognised for her work in goal, while Ngock was named the outstanding player of the competition. Their awards came alongside Cameroon’s triumph in the final, underlining the team’s collective and individual achievements.

The Indomitable Lionesses had also made a donation to an orphanage in Yaounde on the eve of the final. That gesture was widely praised by their fellow citizens and added to the public support surrounding the team before they went on to claim the title.

Biya’s announcement means the players will benefit from both the promised financial reward and the individual housing pledge. The cash bonus had already been confirmed at 52 million CFA francs per player, while the house announced by the president represents a further gift to each member of the championship-winning squad.

Their meeting with Biya came nearly one week after the final in Rabat and marked the latest public celebration of Cameroon’s success at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Onorab