WC 2022: Former Cameroon international Geremi Njitap speaks to FIFA.com
As the FIFA World Cup 2022 approaches, anticipation for the opening match in Qatar is growing. Many countries are getting ready, issuing final lists, and getting ready to go far to the Eastern deserts.
WC 2022: Former Cameroon international Geremi Njitap speaks to FIFA.com
As the FIFA World Cup 2022 approaches, anticipation for the opening match in Qatar is growing. Many countries are getting ready, issuing final lists, and getting ready to go far to the Eastern deserts.
Cameroon is one team that has been in the news before the competition. The Indomitable Lions are already en route to the competition after being the first African team to reveal their list. They will undoubtedly travel to the Middle East as the first participating country.
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid player Geremi Njitap, who represented Cameroon in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, is one person who has extensive World Cup experience with the Lions.
Prior to the Qatar showpiece, the former Cameroonian international gives a candid interview to FIFA.com.
How much anticipation are African teams feeling for the World Cup?
Geremi: We are overjoyed that five outstanding nations made it through. As a former football player, my wish is for one or two teams to advance past the opening round and leg. That would be a huge accomplishment because, as I recall, when Cameroon made it through the first round, all of Africa was rooting against them. Ghana came after that. Since then, no teams have managed to make it past the first round. Therefore, in my opinion, we have strong nations that have qualified this time. The fact that they survived the first round is our biggest accomplishment.
How thrilling is it for the country that Cameroon qualified despite suffering a loss in Russia?
Listen, if you recall—or perhaps you don’t—it was something amazing. Geremi We were down against Algeria until the very end, and we scored historic goals. And, let me tell you something, there were significant celebrations in Cameroon as a result. The qualification’s income is crucial for a young federation like ours since it will enable the Cameroonian Football Federation to foster the development of the next generation. That is why we were so excited; it was a significant accomplishment for us. The current struggle is to get through the first round.
What do you expect from Cameroon with a challenging group that includes Brazil, Serbia, and Switzerland?
Geremi:
Hear me out: This World Cup is quite unique. There isn’t a favorite when it comes to the time it will be played in my opinion. What makes me say that? Because World Cups are typically played at the end of the season, many of the players are a little worn out. The players are at their finest and most fresh during the middle of the season, when this World Cup is being contested. Because it’s 11 vs. 11 and everyone is fresh, it will be difficult for the typical favorites. It is my perspective. I believe I have a basic understanding of football, but it will be difficult. Whoever wins will be deserving because it will be one of the hardest World Cups ever.
