? By Joshua Kosimbom
The city of Bamenda witnessed history on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as the Association Camerounaise de Football a 7 ACF7 North West held its first-ever executive meeting at the scenic Hilltop Hotel, Up Station. The gathering wasnt just another administrative session it was the birth of a football revolution designed to give new energy, identity, and opportunity to the game in the region. ? ?The meeting opened with a solemn word of prayer from Vice President Nji Nelson, invoking divine blessings for a successful journey ahead. The tone quickly shifted to ambition and motivation as Secretary General Yuh Joshua welcomed everyone with an inspiring message, urging all executives to give 200 to ensure ACF7 North West becomes one of the most dynamic and respected football structures in Cameroon. ? ?Representing the national president Chido Mitterrand, the Vice President shared a message filled with vision and challenge calling every member to action. Lets make 7-aside football in the North West the best in the country, he said, underlining the associations independence from FECAFOOT and its flexible structure that allows players to compete freely in both federations. ? ?Executives took turns introducing themselves, symbolizing the unity and shared enthusiasm that filled the room. The Vice President outlined ACF7s goals, emphasizing its unique model, professional licensing system, and open registration policy with clubs registering for 50,000 FCFA and each players license set at 5,000 FCFA. In a show of generosity and leadership, President Chido promised to personally sponsor the first two teams to register in the region. ? ?One of the days key highlights came from Coach Martin Nkabyo, Head of Competitions, who delivered a masterclass on the technical side of 7-aside football. He described the format as fast, tactical, and entertaining, and stressed its potential to nurture hidden talent across the region. He called for training seminars and capacity-building workshops to equip players, referees, and coaches with the right skills. Coach Nkabyo also revealed plans to identify and prepare top talents from the North West for the 7-Aside World Cup in March 2026. ? ?When the President of the Homologation Committee raised the question of affiliation, the Vice President clarified boldly ACF7 is an independent football body, operating on its own terms and not answerable to FECAFOOT or any local structure. He went on to confirm that the Bamenda Proximity Stadium has already been secured as the regions home ground, with materials ready to adapt it for 7-aside competition standards. ? ?Adding an expert touch, former FIFA referee and DAF Diangha Marie took the floor to enlighten members on the laws of 7-aside football, including pitch dimensions 4555m long and 2535m wide and unlimited substitutions, making the game dynamic and inclusive. She pledged her full availability to guide clubs, officials, and referees through the technicalities of the game. ? ?Media and communication were also a major focus. AFESEH and Abongwa Fozo reminded everyone that footballs growth depends on visibility and storytelling, urging all media professionals to spread the word about ACF7 and help the public understand how 7-aside differs from futsal, 5-aside, and traditional 11-aside formats. ? ?The meeting concluded with a unanimous call to action: to make the North West the heartbeat of 7-aside football in Cameroon. With plans for regional leagues and a national championship featuring the top five regional champions, the dream is big and it has officially begun. ? ?As the sun set over the hills of Bamenda, one thing was clear: ACF7 North West isnt just creating another football league, its launching a movement. A faster, more inclusive, and more exciting brand of football is here and its proudly Made in Cameroon.