Lys Fraîche Tywa, captain of the U17 Lionesses during the 2025 CAN in Morocco, has publicly expressed her regret and apologized to FECAFOOT and its president, Samuel Eto'o, after being dismissed from the team. This dismissal follows a video where she and other players requested the return of Joseph Ndoko, the former coach who was dismissed for moral reasons.
In a message published on her Meta page this Wednesday, Lys Fraîche Tywa acknowledged that her action lacked discernment and undermined sports discipline and respect for institutions. She admitted to acting against the Cameroonian Football Federation by defending Joseph Ndoko.
"To the entire Cameroonian nation, to my dear Papa Samuel Eto'o, president of FECAFOOT, and to you, dear fans of our football," she wrote. "I speak today with a heavy heart, but with a deep desire for sincerity. Some time ago, I publicly demonstrated for the retention of a coach despite the suspension decision taken by our Federation. In retrospect, I realize that my action lacked discernment and undermined the sports discipline and respect for the institutions that I love so much."
She continued by expressing her regret: "I bitterly regret this act, which has had painful repercussions on my career. I offer my sincerest apologies to the Cameroonian people, the Federation leaders, and all the supporters. My only wish now is to regain peace and continue to serve, in my place, the colors of Cameroon".
The release of Lys Fraîche Tywa comes in a context of reshuffling within the U17 team. Seven players, including Lys Fraîche, were removed from the group preparing for the U17 World Cup qualifiers due to their involvement in the request for Joseph Ndoko's reinstatement. FECAFOOT was quick to react to this internal challenge.
The dismissal of these players occurred just before the crucial match against Botswana in Yaoundé, counting towards the U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers. This decision highlighted the existing tensions between certain players and the FECAFOOT management, led by Samuel Eto'o. The Ndoko affair, initially centered on allegations of morality, took on a new dimension with the involvement of the young Indomitable Lionesses.
The future of Lys Fraîche Tywa within the U17 national team remains uncertain. Will her letter of apology be enough to convince Samuel Eto'o and FECAFOOT to give her a second chance? Only time will tell.
