By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, November 15, 2023 – 19-year-olf Junior Baptiste Tchamadeu says he is hoping to get a shot at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after he received his first call-up for the Indomitable Lions.
Junior Tchamadeu currently plays for Stoke City in England, after signing from League Two side Colchester in the summer. He has already made four appearances for the Championship club under manager Alex Neil and is excited about the prospect of representing the country of his parents – Cameroon.
“During the international break, I just want to find my feet around the camp, try to play some games for my country and perform, because if I don’t, the chance of going to AFCON is gone,” Junior Tchamadeu said.
“It is a big tournament in Africa and of course that is a good way to get to the World Cup as well – something that is on my mind to be part of. It is a big milestone for me and my parents.”
“So, when I got the news, I told them and I could see how happy they were in their faces. It is always a nice feeling, to make your parents proud. I am just glad I have been doing that.”
“The last time I went to Cameroon was 10 years ago and I was nine. So, to go there again after 10 years in this manner as well, it means a lot,” Junior Tchamadeu added.
The Indomitable Lions will kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Mauritius on Friday, November 17 at the Douala Japoma Stadium. On November 21, the side will face Libya in Benghazi for the second encounter.
“It is a proud moment to represent my country. I have seen the love here and it is so unreal and it is a dream come true for me,” the 19-year-old Tchamadeu told journalists after taking part in the first warm-up session by the team in Douala on Tuesday.
“It is a very good group; they have helped me settle in very well. It is a great group of players and I am just excited to play with them. Hopefully, I can play with them for a long time. We need the full support of the fans come the next few games and right to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.”
Cameroon has been drawn in Group C of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast alongside defending champions Senegal, Guinea and the Gambia. Cameroon begins their first assignment on January 15 against Guinea before facing Senegal on January 19. The group stage concludes for the side on January 23 against the Gambia.
