“We will give everything on the pitch” – Cameroon’s Naomi Eto
A revelation during the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Colombia in 2024, Naomi Eto is playing her first Women’s African Women's Cup of Nations this year.
And here she is, already feeling at home in the continental tournament. Undefeated since the start of the tournament, Cameroon take on Nigeria - the most successful nation in the history of the competition, this Sunday in Casablanca, with a place in the semifinals in their sights.
Qualified thanks to the expansion of the tournament, from 12 to 16 teams, the Indomitable Lionesses are moving forward without difficulty or pressure, but with solid collective confidence. Cameroon intend to continue their efficiency against the Super Falcons.
Eto, at the tender age of 21, is maneuvering the biggest event in African Women's Football with the carefree attitude of those who have nothing to lose and the ambition to shake up the status quo.
CAFOnline.com Q & A:
Question: What have you made of the tournament since it kicked off?
Naomi Eto: It is my first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, so I'm still discovering this competition. I'm gradually getting my bearings, even if the time is short in a tournament like this. I'm just trying to adapt, keep working and learning. For now, I'm still trying to understand this environment, but the main thing remains to play and give the best of myself.
What has struck you the most since the start?
Our qualification for the quarterfinals is undoubtedly what struck me the most. We needed to take this first step, especially since a few people expected us to do so at this level. We didn't have the ideal preparations, but we managed to get out of the group stages. What also stands out to me is the state of mind within the group. Whether you are a starter or a substitute, everyone is experiencing this adventure together. We share good times, we work hard and we move forward as one team.
Nigeria is the most successful nation in the history of the competition. What does this Cameroon vs Nigeria matchup represent for you?
Nigeria is a very great nation in African Women's Football and deserves all our respect. We know we are not the favourites and, in fact, we never really were in this competition. But we also know what we want to achieve. We have a game plan prepared by the staff and we work everyday to progress, both in training and during video meetings or even in our exchanges amongst the players.
We know that every match is different. Football always has surprises in store. At this stage of the competition, there will inevitably be a winner. Nigeria has great qualities, but a match is played on the pitch. One thing is certain - we will give everything on the pitch.
Is facing Nigeria in a WAFCON quarterfinal the type of match you dreamed of when you started playing football?
Playing against a team of this level is obviously something special. Many Cameroonian players would dream of being in this position. If I am part of this squad today, it is because the staff saw potential in me.
Do you think Cameroon can surprise Nigeria this time?
I wouldn't call it a surprise. We will approach this match as we have approached all the others since the start of the tournament. Our goal is to continue to have fun together, because it is this state of mind that has allowed us to come this far.
We will not change the way we play. We will continue our work, apply the technical staff’s plan and seek to correct the few shortcomings that we have identified. We have little time, but we will make the best use of it to be more effective. We know there is a favourite, and it's not us, but in football nothing is a foregone conclusion.
Cameroon finished the group stages without a single defeat. What is the main strength of this team today?
Our greatest strength is the collective. There is an excellent atmosphere within the group, which allows us to approach each match with a lot of confidence and positivity.
Above all, we have a real fighting spirit. We constantly support each other, we encourage each other and, on the pitch, we form a real family. Of course, we have talented players individually, but it is above all the group that is our strength. Our common goal always remains the same - to obtain the best possible result.
What is the state of mind within the team before this decisive meeting?
The state of mind is very serene. We are not stressed. Since the start of the tournament, we have shown that we can respond despite the doubts surrounding our team. Today, we follow the program established by the staff.