By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Bui Strikers Veteran FC of Yaoundé have etched their name in the history books as the inaugural champions of the Nso All-Veteran Championship. In an electric final played in Bafoussam, West Region on October 11, Bui Strikers defeated Nso Veteran FC of Nkomkana 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout after a hard-fought 2-2 tie at the end of regulation time.
The championship clash lived up to its high expectations, featuring exceptional tactical awareness and fiery determination from both sides. Bui Strikers seized the momentum early in the opening minutes, striking first to break the deadlock and take a 1-0 lead. However, Nso Veteran FC refused to back down, capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication within the Bui Strikers backline to score an equalizer before the halftime whistle.
Returning from the locker room tied at 1-1, both squads settled into a captivating second half. Bui Strikers once again showcased their attacking flair, breaking through the opposition defence to restore their lead at 2-1.
Yet, showing remarkable grit, Nso Veteran FC forced another turn of fortune by earning a penalty, which they calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to tie the game at 2-2. With no further goals scored before the final whistle, the destiny of the maiden trophy was decided from the penalty spot, where Bui Strikers held their nerves to claim a 5-4 shootout victory.
Speaking shortly after the emotional trophy presentation, the Emeritus President of Bui Strikers, Adamu Wirngo, expressed deep gratitude for his team’s unwavering commitment throughout the tournament.
“You can imagine the joy in me; I might not fully express it, but within me, I am truly happy because this trophy means a lot to us. We came prepared for this competition and today we are going back victorious,” Adamu Wirngo said.
Looking toward the future, he added, “We will start preparing for the next edition early so that we can achieve the same results we have achieved today. Knowing that we will be returning as defending champions, we need to be fully prepared.”
The founder of the competition, Shufai Ndzefoncho, commended the overarching success of the tournament while reflecting on the broader purpose of bringing veterans together.
“It is going to be an annual competition. The initial plan was that we could have been playing it back at home, but unfortunately, because of the socio-political crisis, we cannot do it for now, but we are hoping that in time, the crisis will subside and we’ll take it back home,” he said.
Shufai Ndzefoncho went on to urge all community members and stakeholders to unify their efforts, noting that one hand cannot tie a bundle. “When all of us, we join hands together, I think we’ll succeed with our mission of trying to bring peace back home.”
Caster Berinyuy of the Nso Renaissance Sport Initiative (NSRI) emphasized how football continues to serve as a powerful vehicle for social cohesion, community development, and giving back.
“We are greatly happy that after two days of intensive competition, we have registered success and the success I think will continue to the next edition. The weather was good and also we started by giving back to the community through NSODA. We will continue,” he stated, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to fostering sportsmanship and local outreach.
Despite falling just short in the penalty drama, Dieudonné Mbiydzenyuy, President of Nso Veterans Nkomkana, remained upbeat and praised the organizers for constructing a platform centered on unity and mutual growth.
“I’m very fulfilled, I’m satisfied. It was not easy to come to this level. I’m okay, I’m okay, I’m fine,” Dieudonné Mbiydzenyuy said. He further reflected, “We believe that this is more than a tournament. We have learned a lot from many and we believe that in the future, this tournament will take us to another level. It will foster development, and growth will be enhanced in our community.”
The maiden edition brought together six veteran teams representing Bamenda, Bafoussam, Douala, and Yaoundé, organized into two competitive groups. In Pool A, Nso Veterans Nkomkana dominated the group stage with six points, securing their spot in the final by thrashing BihNso Veteran FC of Bafoussam 5-1 and edging Nso Veterans Bamenda FC 2-1.
Meanwhile, in Pool B, eventual champions Bui Strikers cruised to the top of their group with six points, outscoring Edu Sport Veterans 3-0 and putting on a goal fest against Nso Veterans Douala in a 6-2 victory to book their ticket directly to the final match. Organizers have confirmed that Bafoussam will once again host the next edition of the championship.
