Cameroon is a sports-loving nation with a deep passion for football, but also rich in traditional games, combat sports, and a growing presence in athletics and basketball. Here’s a full look at the sports practiced in Cameroon:
1. Football (Soccer)
- By far the most popular sport in Cameroon
- Played everywhere: schools, streets, beaches, villages
- Home of the legendary “Indomitable Lions”
- 5-time African Cup of Nations champions
- Historic World Cup runs (especially 1990)
- Famous players: Roger Milla, Samuel Eto’o, Rigobert Song, André Onana
2. Basketball
- Rapidly growing, especially in urban areas
- Home to several NBA players:
- Pascal Siakam (Toronto Raptors)
- Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers – MVP 2023, born in Yaoundé)
- Cameroon has a strong national team in AfroBasket
3. Martial Arts & Combat Sports
- Popular disciplines:
- Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wrestling
- Boxing – well-practiced and widely followed
- MMA – booming interest due to Francis Ngannou (UFC heavyweight champion)
- Traditional wrestling also common in northern & western regions
4. Athletics (Track & Field)
- Practiced in schools and by aspiring athletes
- Sprinting, long-distance, and middle-distance running
- Cameroon participates in the Olympic Games and African Championships
5. Cycling
- Annual Tour du Cameroun is a major event on the African cycling calendar
- Practiced recreationally and professionally
6. Volleyball & Handball
- Especially popular in schools and women’s sports
- Cameroon’s women’s volleyball team is one of Africa’s best
- Both sports have national championships
7. Rugby
- Still developing, but growing steadily
- Played mostly in urban areas like Yaoundé and Douala
8. Traditional Sports
- Traditional wrestling – Popular in the northern regions (like the Far North)
- Horse racing – Especially in northern Cameroon
- Archery and spear throwing – Cultural practices in some ethnic groups
- Ngondo water sports – Ceremonial water-based competitions among the Sawa people (Douala)
9. Swimming & Water Sports
- Practiced in coastal cities and some river areas
- Still developing in terms of infrastructure
10. Tennis, Table Tennis, and Golf
- Played in urban clubs and elite schools
- Golf is mainly for leisure among elites and tourists
