Former Cameroon international Nicolas Nkoulou has reflected on the Indomitable Lions success at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nkoulou, who recently announced retirement was instrumental when Cameroon triumphed over Egypt to secure the continental title.
Speaking on Canal+, the former defender revisited the 2017 final, recalling how belief quietly grew within the squad despite being widely written off.
Nkoulou, who netted the crucial equalizer against Egypt before Vincent Aboubakar sealed the win, admitted he sensed something special was unfolding even before a ball was kicked.
“Did I feel that something big was going to happen in 2017? Yes, right away, because we said to ourselves, anyway, they’re not counting on us. We had everything to gain. Come on, let’s give it our all and take the games one at a time because it’s too easy to say yes, I believed we could win.
“Was I frustrated at being a substitute? No, because several times I came in as the boss but always left with my tail between my legs. If I have to sit on the bench to lift that trophy, I’ll sign up right away. The good thing was that we weren’t playing for ourselves”
“We were playing for the team, for the nation. They [the starters, editor’s note] were doing well, the team was moving forward. I have nothing to say. Cheering is what you have to do, bringing water if he’s thirsty. I did what I had to do and then my moment came [his goal, editor’s note] and once again, I tried,” said Nicolas Nkoulou.
His words underline the unity and selflessness that defined Cameroon’s improbable run to the title — a campaign built not on individual status, but on collective sacrifice and belief, culminating in one of the most memorable AFCON finals in recent history.
