‘Nothing is impossible for Cameroonians’ – Michaely Bihina reveals secret to WAFCON heroics

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina has revealed that mental strength, preparation and a deep-rooted belief in the Cameroonian spirit helped her produce a series of decisive performances as the Indomitable Lionesses won their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Benfica goalkeeper was instrumental throughout the tournament, particularly in the quarter-final against Nigeria and the final against Morocco, where she made crucial saves before starring in the penalty shootout.

Bihina, who was also named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, explained that remaining calm is central to her role because any loss of focus could have consequences for the entire team.

“I think it’s also a mindset. In Cameroon, we cultivate mental strength. In our language, we call it hemlè: a state of mind that pushes us to fear nothing, to give everything on the field, to stay as calm as possible even in the toughest situations. Because nothing is impossible for Cameroonians.”

The 22-year-old said her composure is not simply a natural trait but something she consciously maintains during matches.

“Yes, it’s true. In every match, I try to stay as calm as possible, to reassure the team. Because if I’m not calm, I’m not focused and that puts the team in trouble defensively.”

Penalty preparation paid off

Bihina’s biggest individual moments came against Morocco, where she first saved a late penalty before producing another outstanding display during the shootout.

She revealed that her heroics were backed by detailed preparation, having studied Morocco’s previous matches and analysed the tendencies of their penalty takers.

“The day before the match, I watched Morocco’s previous games, studied their penalties, gathered some information. I won’t reveal everything here but… I studied the Moroccan players’ tendencies, memorised their jersey numbers. All of that played a part.”

The goalkeeper also believed Morocco carried greater pressure because they were playing on home soil in front of their supporters.

“I think the advantage we had during the penalty shootout was that Morocco was under pressure, playing at home in front of their fans. And we didn’t have many supporters in the stadium. The pressure was much more on Morocco. We managed our own pressure well, and that’s what took us to the final.”

Bihina’s composure had earlier been tested against Nigeria, the defending champions, in a quarter-final that saw Cameroon eliminate one of Africa’s strongest teams.

She had described the fixture as an opportunity to change Cameroon’s fortunes against their long-time rivals.

“Actually, the day before the match, I told our captain, Aboudi (Onguene), that I love big games. And Nigeria had always dominated us in the past, so it was the perfect time to try to turn things around.”

‘There were 26 warriors’

Despite becoming one of the tournament’s biggest stars and being hailed as a national heroine, Bihina has played down individual praise and instead insisted that Cameroon’s success was built on collective effort.

“I don’t think I’m Cameroon’s heroine, because there were 26 warriors in the squad and we all played every match, whether on the field or on the bench. I prefer to see it that way and keep the same mindset: always putting the team first. My job was to defend, to give the team confidence. That’s what I did.”

The triumph was particularly significant for Bihina, who was competing at her first WAFCON.

“For me, it was a dream come true, because it was already my first WAFCON. And to go from being called back in to becoming champions, that’s something heroic, something that will stay in our hearts forever. It’s historic.”

She believes the achievement can also inspire future generations of Cameroonian footballers.

“I think it inspires the new generations to believe in their dreams and to work hard.”

Nguele’s impact on historic campaign

Bihina credited coach Valentine Nguele with helping transform the team through discipline, hard work and a strong sense of purpose after taking charge shortly before the tournament.

“It’s important to remember that coach Nguele is a real lioness, a former Indomitable Lioness. I think she passed on her indomitable spirit to us, and that’s what carried us, because she was always motivating us, reminding us of our goals: to give our best every time we step on the field, even if there are only five minutes left; you have to give it your all.”

The goalkeeper also acknowledged the support of Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o, who had backed the team during a difficult period and was present throughout their historic campaign.

“Seeing him in the stands, supporting us, celebrating every time we scored, means a lot to us. It shows how much he’s with us at every moment and how close he is to us.”

Cameroon’s road to the title was far from straightforward, with Bihina insisting that the players did not enter the competition convinced they would become champions.

“No, no, no, no. From the start, we didn’t know we would win, because honestly, our path was tough. If we had known we’d face Nigeria, the African champions, then Morocco, the hosts and runners-up, I’m not sure we would have believed we’d be champions.”

‘I prefer to stay the same Michaely’

The goalkeeper’s performances earned her the tournament’s best goalkeeper award, but she remains determined not to allow the recognition to change her.

“I want to thank my teammates, because they encouraged me a lot. The start wasn’t easy, especially against Mali, where we had some trouble getting into the tournament. I think the confidence they gave me carried me throughout the competition.”

Bihina has also been compared with some of Cameroon’s finest goalkeepers, including Fabrice Ondoa, but she is reluctant to embrace such comparisons.

“Personally, I feel honoured to be counted among the best goalkeepers in Cameroon, but I prefer not to dwell on it too much. For us, if I let it get to me, it would stop me from working even harder. I prefer to stay the same Michaely I am, keep working, keep improving, and give my best every time the country needs me.”

Now preparing for the next stage of her career with Benfica, Bihina has already set her sights on more international success.

“My dream for the coming years is to win even more trophies for Cameroon and why not win the World Cup, the Olympic Games…”