By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
As part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde through the Striking Eagles FC and the Prime Minister’s Office have strengthened bilateral ties through sports diplomacy.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation during a friendly soccer match at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde on July 4. Although the Prime Minister’s Office team won the match, both teams emphasized the fair and friendly spirit of the game.
Speaking after the match, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. John G. Robinson, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting that celebrating “Freedom 250” through sports was an excellent initiative.
“This is because sport brings people together,” Robinson said, adding, “And also because the World Cup is taking place right now in the United States. I think today is the perfect day to have this kind of friendly match.”
Robinson stated that the U.S. and Cameroon share a long-standing partnership dating back to Jan. 1, 1960, when Cameroon gained its independence. Since then, he said, the U.S. has pledged close and friendly relations between the two countries.
“And ever since, we’ve been cooperating in education, exchange partnerships, the Peace Corps program, economic and commercial engagement, security partnership as well as health,” he said. “We’re always looking at ways that we can sort to take it to the next level.”
Prince Leonard Junior Mabengue, representing the Prime Minister’s Office and serving as the Cameroon country head of the Jampur Group, said the friendly match aimed to consolidate the relationship between Cameroon and America through sports diplomacy.
As Americans celebrate their 250th Independence Anniversary, Mabengue said the friendly game was a special way to connect with them.
Isa Adamu, President of the Striking Eagles, praised the event as a fitting tribute to the U.S. Independence Day anniversary. “The match was tough. We couldn’t win as usual, but I appreciate my team for the fair play and we hope the return leg will not be the same,” Adamu said.
The Striking Eagles’ team captain, Chenwie Polycarp Tala also commended their opponents. “The Prime Minister Office has a great team. There was good coordination, there’s discipline throughout the game,” he said. “Even though the score line was not favorable on our side, I think generally the game was a fantastic game.”
Players from the Prime Minister’s Office called it a great day to celebrate U.S. Independence Day. Following their strong performance in the first leg, they said they look forward to the return match with high hopes.
The Embassy also used the opportunity to engage the audience, quizzing spectators on U.S. independence history as they watched the match.
