Why are the Cameroon national team called the Indomitable Lions?
CAMEROON competed in the 2022 World Cup – but failed to make it out of the group stage.
It was the first time the Indomitable Lions had played in a World Cup since Brazil 2014.
Why are Cameroon called the Indomitable Lions?
Football teams around the world have their own nicknames, with Cameroon originally known as the Lions.
The lion is the national animal of the Central African nation.
However, in 1972, the national team nickname was changed and the word indomitable was added, renaming them the Indomitable Lions.
The name followed their fight for independence from France and the UK.
The country was divided between the British and French following the end of World War I.
However it gained independence in 1960 and 1961.
The definition of indomitable is “impossible to subdue or defeat” leading president Ahmadou Ahidjo – the first president of the United Republic of Cameroon – to add the word to their nickname ensuring they were more recognisable and impressive.
This change paid off as the Indomitable Lions had a period of dominance in the Africa Cup of Nations during the 80s.
They reached three successive finals, winning in 1984 and 1988. They lost out to Egypt in 1986.
The Indomitable Lions were also victorious in 2000 and 2002.
They lost out again to Egypt in the 2008 final, before winning in 2017.
Cameroon’s green kit includes a roaring lion just below the left shoulder.
How many times have Cameroon qualified for the World Cup?
The team and their manager Rigobert Song were hopeful they would qualify for the later rounds of the tournament.
However, the Indomitable Lions didn’t pass the group stage after facing Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland in Group G.
Despite this disappointment, Cameroon incredibly defeated Brazil 1-0.
The Indomitable Lions have qualified for the World Cup eight times, more than any other African team.
The team qualified in 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2022.
Despite qualifying eight times, the team has only left the group stage once.
The Indomitable Lions reached the Quarter Final stage during the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
They were knocked out of the competition after losing to England 3-2.
Cameroon is competing for a place at the 2026 World Cup, which is taking place across three nations – the US, Canada, and Mexico.
They are part of the CAF Group D alongside Cape Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini and Mauritius.
The group winner will directly qualify for the World Cup and the runner-up could compete in a play-off to advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.
The inter-confederation playoffs will determine which teams will secure the final two qualification spots for the World Cup.