The strong resistance of Cameroon to Nigeria’s 2010 five-nation joint host bid appears to be caving in after an emergency meeting of FECAFOOT, the country’s football regulatory body, which said a firm decision on the issue would be made after the planned visit of some members of Nigeria’s bid committee to Yaounde.
At the extra-ordinary congress which was held at the weekend in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital city, members of FECAFOOT discussed in detail the possibilities of them supporting Nigeria’s intentions to host football’s World Cup in 2010.
This is coming on the heels of the naming of Cameroon alongside three other West African countries, Togo, Ghana and Benin Republic as part host nations of Nigeria’s bid.
After a stormy session which lasted for hours, some officials who had earlier distanced themselves from the Nigeria project had softened their positions a little bit.
A BBC report said opinions were split on the fate of Nigeria but Iya Mohamed, President of FECAFOOT says it is early days yet to make a firm decision on the raging issue.
« After a very important meeting of football officials in Cameroon, we are yet to come to a unanimous decision on whether to back the joint host bid of Nigeria. At the moment, opinions are somewhat divided on what to do », Mohamed submitted.
The top football official would later said a decision could be agreed upon subsequent to the anticipated visit of Nigeria’s bid committee to Yaounde
« We are waiting for members of Nigeria’s bid committee who we believe would make us see reasons why Cameroon should be part of this 2010 World Cup bid ».
He added that Cameroon’s decision would be dependent on Nigeria’s persuasive level.
« I think the Nigerian delegation has to be very convincing in their propositions to members of FECAFOOT », said Mohamed.
Not many football followers would forget in a hurry how an official of FECAFOOT, Prince Indokie had smeared Nigeria’s intentions to submit its bid for the 2010 World Cup, which FIFA had affirmed would hold in Africa.
South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya are the other countries in the race for the 2010 hosting nod, which would be decided April 2004.
By John Egbokhan
