The Cameroonian volleyball community is mourning the death of national coach Guy-Roger Nanga, which occurred on March 1, 2026, in Lyon. However, the pain of the family and loved ones is exacerbated by an unforeseen event: his body is currently stranded at the airport in Casablanca, Morocco.
While a delegation, composed of family members, friends, and representatives of the volleyball community, had gathered at Yaoundé-Nsimalen airport this Saturday, March 14, to receive his body, they had to return without it. The reasons for this blockage in Casablanca remain unknown, adding extra weight to the affliction of those who hoped to begin their mourning.
Guy-Roger Nanga, born on April 15, 1973, was an emblematic figure in Central African volleyball. As a player, he shone as a spiker, proudly wearing the colors of Cameroon on the international stage. His career led him to several prestigious clubs in Europe, notably in France (ASUL Lyon Volley) and Greece (Olympiakos), where he won titles and awards. In particular, he was named Best Attacker in the French Championship in 2001/2002.
After his playing career, he turned to coaching, becoming coach of the Cameroonian men's national team in 2019. Under his leadership, Cameroon won continental silver medals and a bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games. More recently, he was the head coach of Asnières Volley 92.
A religious ceremony in his memory took place on March 12 at the Greek Orthodox Church in Paris, testifying to the impact he had beyond Cameroonian borders. At the Collège Johnston in Yaoundé, a fraternal vigil brought together his relatives on March 14, awaiting the repatriation of his remains.
The arrival of Guy-Roger Nanga's body in Yaoundé is now scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026. The volleyball community and his loved ones hope that this date will be respected, so that they can pay him a final tribute worthy of his legacy.
His passing leaves a great void in the world of volleyball, but his legacy as a player and coach will continue to inspire future generations. He is remembered as an outstanding athlete and a man committed to the development of African volleyball.
