By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
The President of Mankon United FC, Nsoh Cletus Nde, has alleged that individuals linked to the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) demanded FCFA 10 million in exchange for facilitating the club’s promotion to the Elite Two Championship.
Nde made the allegations in an emotional address to players and supporters following Mankon United’s semi-final exit at the 2026 Interpools tournament. The five-minute video has since gone viral on social media.
According to the club president, he was approached before the decisive fixture and told that paying FCFA 10 million would secure promotion to Elite Two.
“They asked me for FCFA 10 million. I told myself that if I accepted, they would toy with us forever,” Nde said.
He further alleged that after refusing the initial demand, he received another phone call at about 9 p.m. on the eve of the match asking how much he was willing to offer.
“I told them I had FCFA 1 million, and that is what I sent. They then turned around and gave the match to the other team because they paid more than I did. That is robbery. They robbed me,” he claimed.
Nde did not identify the individuals who allegedly solicited the money, nor did he provide documentary or other evidence to support the allegations.
He also claimed that he had been advised to seek the backing of influential personalities if he wanted Mankon United to gain promotion.
“Someone told me I had to go to the South West and meet somebody and tell him that it was my turn to be promoted. I cannot do such a thing,” he said.
The club president said he had invested heavily in the team to create opportunities for young people in the North West Region and expressed frustration at what he described as a system driven by influence rather than merit.
“I struggled to work for my money and sponsor a football team that could help our region, employ youths and promote the talents we have. Then some individuals come and want to dictate how I should spend my own money,” he lamented.
Nde praised his players for their conduct throughout the Interpools campaign, saying they had represented the club with dignity despite the painful elimination.
Becoming emotional, he recalled seeing one of his players in tears after the defeat.
“When I saw my player on the ground crying for help, tears came out of my eyes.”
Questioning the integrity of the football system, he added:
“Football in Cameroon is ‘I beg,’ but I cannot beg. Mankon United played football that everyone loved, yet they wanted us to beg.”
Nde also announced his intention to withdraw the club from FECAFOOT competitions after the current season, saying Mankon United would suspend its participation in 2027 before returning in 2028 to compete in the North Regional League.
“All the traditional rulers will be informed. If they do not like the idea, I will keep my money,” he said.
He nevertheless assured the players that every outstanding financial obligation owed by the club would be settled.
“I will pay all that the team owes the players.”
Mankon United narrowly missed promotion to the Elite Two Championship after an impressive Interpools campaign that earned widespread admiration from football fans across the North West Region.
As of publication, neither FECAFOOT nor its president, Samuel Eto’o, had publicly responded to the allegations.
Kick442.com has not independently verified the claims made by Nsoh Cletus Nde. The allegations remain unproven. Should FECAFOOT issue a response, it will be published in the interest of fairness and balance.
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