Young Cameroonian footballer Lys Fraiche Tiwa has publicly apologized to Samuel Eto'o, president of FECAFOOT, and the Cameroonian nation, following her exclusion from the U20 national team. This comes after nearly a month of silence following her exclusion from the team, along with other teammates, in early February.
In an open letter published on her Facebook page on February 25, Tiwa, who was the top scorer in the Guinness Super League last season with 22 goals, expressed regret for an action taken in October 2025. This action referred to her public support for former coach Joseph Ndoko, who was suspended for allegations of immoral practices, despite the federation's decision.
"I speak today with a heavy heart, but with a deep desire for sincerity," she wrote. She acknowledged that her action lacked discernment and undermined sports discipline and respect for institutions. She added: "I bitterly regret this act, which has had painful repercussions on my career. I offer my sincerest apologies to the Cameroonian people, the leaders of the Federation, and all the supporters".
As a reminder, in October 2025, Tiwa and other players from the national cadet team showed their support for Joseph Ndoko following his suspension. This stance led to the exclusion of Tiwa and five other players from the U20 team, just two days before a World Cup qualifying match against Botswana. Coach Hassan Balla did not provide a clear explanation for this exclusion, fueling speculation about Samuel Eto'o's influence in the decision.
Some observers, such as the digital media outlet CFOOT, believe that Lys Fraiche Tiwa's apology may be the result of some form of coercion, particularly due to the proximity of the Cameroonian Golden Ball ceremony, where she is nominated. Journalist Alain Denis Ikoul pointed out the suspicious timing of this statement, coming just days before the event, and suggested that Tiwa may be the victim of implicit blackmail related to obtaining this individual award. He also questioned the individual nature of these apologies, when the initial claim was collective.
Despite the speculation, Lys Fraiche Tiwa hopes that her apologies will be accepted and that she can continue to serve the colors of Cameroon. Time will tell if this approach will close this episode and reopen the doors of the national team to her.
The young goalkeeper now hopes to refocus on the field and put this matter behind her.
