The third edition of the Cameroon Ballon d’Or Awards once again highlighted the nation’s footballing excellence, honoring the most outstanding players, referees, and coaches of the season.
Coton Sport of Garoua attacking midfielder, Nchindo John Bosco and Indomitable Lionesses’ youngster, Naomi Eto have been named Cameroonian footballers of the year 2024.The two bagged the awards at the third edition of Cameroon Ballon d’Or Award. The ceremony which was held at the Yaoundé Conference Centre last Friday, was chaired by the Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency of the Republic, Philippe Mbarga Mboa, the special envoy of First Lady Chantal Biya.
Organized by the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, the event recognized the best talents from the MTN Elite One, its women’s equivalent, the Guinness Super League and match officials, bringing together football stakeholders for a night of celebration. In a fitting climax to the evening, Nchindo John Bosco and Naomi Eto emerged as the biggest winners, clinching the 2024 Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or awards. Both players displayed remarkable performances throughout the season, earning them recognition as the best in Cameroonian football. FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o, in his opening remarks, encouraged players and referees to leave a lasting legacy in the game.
His speech set the stage for the much-anticipated awards, beginning with the recognition of referees. Guimbong A Etong, officiating in the Guinness Super League, was named the best female referee, while 26 -year-old Martin Ze Mengattatook home the award for the best male referee in the MTN Elite One. The night continued with awards for the best coaches of the season. David Pagou, currently serving as one of Marc Brys’ assistants with the Indomitable Lions, was named Best Elite One Coach for leading Stade Renard to a third-place finish in the 2023/2024 Elite One campaign. In the women’s category, Stéphane Ndzana was recognized for his work with Lekie Football Filles where he guided the team to the Cameroon Cup titleafter also finishing second in the Guinness Super League behind champions FC Ebolowa.
Emerging talents were also honored, with Jude Enow Enowand Lys Fraiche Tiwa receiving the Revelation of the Year awards. Flora Kameni also cemented her place in the Guinness Super League’s history by bagging the top scorer award in the competition. The most anticipated awards of the night, the Ballon d’Or for men and women, were presented to Nchindo John Boscoand Naomi Eto. Nchindo, the former captain of Yong Sports Academy, YOSA, was the standout performer in the Elite One last season where he scored some seven goals and provided four assists. His contribution during YOSA’s 3-2 win over in the playoffs was one of the defining moments of the competition, nearly leading YOSA to its first ever title in the competition.
In the women’s series, Naomi Etoproved to be one of the most exciting young players in Cameroonian football. The former playmaker for Amazone FAP who recently moved to French team, Guingamp, had an impressive season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 11 matches. Her impact extended beyond the domestic league, as she played a crucial role in Cameroon’s U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign in Colombia, where her performances helped the team reach the knockout stages. She was named Player of the Match twicein the tournament, further cementing her reputation as a rising star.
The ceremony also served as a moment to honor football personalities who had passed away, including former CAF President Issa Hayatou, Vincent Onana, Owona Baylon Pascal and Roger Noah. Their contributions to Cameroonian football were recognized as their names were immortalized during the event. As the night came to a close, the Cameroon Ballon d’Or Awards reaffirmed its place as the premier platform for recognizing and celebrating the country’s best footballing talents. With each edition, the event continues to grow in stature, shining a spotlight on the individuals who shape the game and inspire the next generation of footballers.
