‘One more chance’ – Cameroon’s Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné chases elusive WAFCON glory at eighth tournament

Sixteen years after first wearing Cameroon colours, Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné is preparing for another defining moment in a remarkable international career that has made her one of Africa’s most respected women’s football figures.

The veteran forward is set to make her eighth appearance at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations when the 2026 tournament takes place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.

Affectionately known as “OG7”, Onguéné remains a key figure for the Indomitable Lionesses despite her long journey at international level. But after years of representing Cameroon on the biggest stages, one ambition continues to drive her — winning the Women’s AFCON title.

The missing piece in Onguéné’s Cameroon legacy

Since making her debut in 2008, Onguéné has experienced the highs and lows of African women’s football, becoming a symbol of consistency and dedication for the national team.

However, despite numerous appearances at continental tournaments, the coveted trophy has remained beyond her reach.

“I still feel that I haven’t achieved something truly great with the national team. I can’t leave this team without accomplishing something special in the game that has given me so much,” Onguéné told CAFOnline.com.

“I’ve played in many Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, but there is still something missing. That feeling is what keeps me going. I want to try one more time and see if we can achieve something great.”

Her determination has helped sustain a career that has stretched across generations, with Onguéné now combining her role as a player with that of a mentor for younger members of the squad.

From doubted youngster to role model

Reflecting on her early years, the Cameroonian star revealed that her journey was shaped by persistence after facing doubts about her ability to succeed in football.

“When I started, many people told me I was too small to become a footballer. They didn’t believe I could succeed,” she said.

“But I always believed in myself. I worked hard, focused on my strengths and never stopped believing. My mentality has never changed, and today I am proud of the journey I have had.”

That mentality has become one of the biggest lessons she hopes to pass on to the next generation.

Several young players in the current Cameroon squad, including Naomi Eto, view Onguéné as an inspiration. The experienced attacker believes sharing her knowledge is part of her responsibility as she approaches the later stages of her career.

“It makes me very proud because every athlete hopes to pass on their experience one day,” she explained.

“I tell her never to stop believing in her dream of becoming a top professional. If you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible.”

Women’s football growth gives Onguéné hope

Having witnessed African women’s football evolve since her debut, Onguéné believes the progress made across the continent has been significant.

The expansion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to 16 teams, alongside the emergence of new footballing nations, has highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the women’s game.

“The progress has been tremendous,” she said.

“Today we have a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with 16 teams and we continue to see new countries qualifying. That shows how much the game has grown across the continent.”

She also pointed to developments in Cameroon, where more locally based players are earning national team opportunities.

“We now have seven players from our domestic league in the national team, which shows the work being done at local level,” Onguéné added.

Cameroon return with renewed ambition

Cameroon’s return to the Women’s AFCON comes after missing the previous edition — only the second time in history they failed to qualify.

Onguéné described the disappointment as painful but believes the experience has strengthened the team ahead of their return.

“It was very painful for all of us,” she said.

“We are used to competing at this tournament, so it was hard to accept.”

The Indomitable Lionesses will face Ghana, Mali and Cape Verde in the group stage, with Onguéné warning that every opponent deserves respect.

“At a Women’s AFCON, anything can happen,” she said.

“We are approaching this tournament with humility. Our responsibility is to represent Cameroon well and give everything on the pitch.”

As the tournament approaches, Onguéné believes every player who reaches Morocco has already achieved something special.

“For me, every woman who will play at this tournament is already a winner,” she said.

With Cameroon supporters expecting another determined campaign, the veteran forward has promised the team will fight until the final whistle.

“That is the Cameroonian spirit. We respect every opponent, but we never give up and we never stop believing in ourselves.”