By Macdella Eyong Bessong & Neilley Claude Ebessa
Journalists, kick442.com – Cameroon
Former Confederation of African Football president Ahmad Ahmad has called on Africans to reclaim control of the continent’s football institutions, insisting that the future of the game on the continent depends on stronger internal unity, political support, and African-led decision-making.
Speaking exclusively to kick442.com during his visit to Cameroon at the invitation of FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o, the former CAF boss reflected on his time in office, the challenges that marked his exit, and his hopes for a stronger African football identity.
I say what I hear and what I believe: Africans must take back their Confederation into their own hands,”Ahmad said firmly.
The former CAF president, who led African football between 2017 and 2021, did not mince words as he addressed what he sees as the central challenge facing the continent’s football governance: autonomy.
For Ahmad, Africa cannot continue to develop its football while depending excessively on external influence.
The image of African football has suffered enough. We must protect our institutions, strengthen our unity and support our leadership,”
he noted, while calling for solidarity behind current CAF president Patrice Motsepe.
According to the Malagasy football administrator, internal division remains one of the biggest threats to the continent’s sporting progress.
Football as a political and development tool
Ahmad also argued that African governments are still underutilizing football as an instrument for development, diplomacy and youth empowerment.
Sport is not just a game. It is a major lever for the fulfillment of young people and for the development of our continent,” he stressed.
He pointed to the growing involvement of world leaders in sport-related diplomacy, citing French president Emmanuel Macron as an example of leaders who increasingly understand football’s strategic importance.
It is not intelligent not to take advantage of this opportunity, especially from political leadership, to develop our continent,” Ahmad added.
His comments come at a time when many African federations are increasingly seeking greater financial independence, infrastructural growth and institutional stability.
Defending his CAF legacy
On his turbulent departure from CAF, Ahmad remained calm and reflective.
A man visibly at peace, he described his tenure as a presidency of “rupture” aimed at ending decades of rigid governance structures within African football.
When I arrived in Addis Ababa, I said my presidency would be one of rupture,” he recalled.
Despite the controversies that surrounded the end of his mandate, Ahmad insists his administration left a lasting institutional mark.
Whatever people say, there is a legacy. You cannot erase it.”
Among his proudest achievements, he highlighted the legal reforms introduced during his presidency.
Today, no confederation in the world has a legal statute like CAF. CAF is now an NGO with real diplomatic powers,” he explained.
Ahmad believes these structural changes will remain a cornerstone of African football governance long after his departure.
Cameroon, Eto’o and an enduring connection
Ahmad reserved warm words for Cameroon and his long-standing relationship with Samuel Eto’o, whom he described as more than just an ally.
From the beginning, I knew we could not develop African football without involving our legends,” he said.
His visit to Cameroon once again underlined the strong ties he continues to maintain with the country and its football community.
The affection I receive from Cameroonians touches me deeply,” he admitted.
Whether in Yaoundé or during religious pilgrimages abroad, Ahmad says Cameroonians consistently show him appreciation.
As African football continues navigating an era of reform, commercial growth and governance challenges, Ahmad Ahmad may no longer occupy CAF’s top office, but his voice remains firmly in the conversation.
His message is unmistakable: Africa’s football future must be shaped by Africans themselves.
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