The inauguration of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT)'s new headquarters in Yaoundé's Warda district on May 13, 2026, marks a turning point for Cameroonian football under Samuel Eto'o's leadership. Journalist and Cameroonian football observer Richard Naha emphasizes the significance of this achievement, the result of a lengthy process marked by interruptions and resumptions.
The history of this ambitious project dates back to the 1990s, under President Vincent Onana, with the launch of initial works between 1997 and 1999. The current headquarters, located in Tsinga, was inaugurated in the early 2000s, representing modernization at the time. However, over time, this building became a symbol of stagnation, prompting Samuel Eto'o to prioritize the completion of the new headquarters upon his arrival as head of FECAFOOT in December 2021.
The Warda project experienced successive stops and restarts: initiated around 2013 under Iya Mohamed, interrupted in 2018 under Seidou Mbombo Njoya, and finally resumed in 2023-2024 under Samuel Eto'o's impetus. Meanwhile, the Tsinga headquarters remained the official center of FECAFOOT's operations. The inauguration on May 13, 2026, therefore represents a major turning point, illustrating Eto'o's vision and leadership in modernizing Cameroonian football infrastructure.
The new Warda headquarters is more than just a building; it symbolizes a visionary managerial administration, according to Richard Naha. It also reflects Samuel Eto'o's desire to break with past practices, where FIFA funds dedicated to this project were diverted. This project provides a modern and suitable working environment for FECAFOOT employees, who felt cramped in the Tsinga premises. The future of the Tsinga site is pending, but projects are under consideration.
The presence of important figures from the football world, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, at the inauguration ceremony underscores the importance of this event for Cameroon and African football in general. Despite the ongoing challenges and controversies within FECAFOOT, these new headquarters represent a strategic investment in the future of Cameroonian football, a symbol of pride and renewal.
