Some members of the Sierra Leone delegation who are in Cameroon to witness and support the Leone Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are now stranded following postponement of their flight.

Sierraloaded learnt that no less than 50 supporters have been affected by this development which has forced them being thrown out of their hotel accommodation.

“The entire delegation, with the exception of where SLFA, NSA and the Ministry of Sports and other privileged delegates are lodged, we the ordinary people (Gbo-gbo Jammah) have been left at the mercy of hotel owners. For the past 24 hours, it has been apprehension, tension and insecurity among this Gbo-gbo jammah.We are currently in a complete state of uncertainty that is characterized by disillusionment, frustration and anger. What is making the situation worse, distasteful and nauseating is the apparent show of concern and disregard of the suffering we are undergoing here in Douala, Cameroon.”, one of the stranded supporters lamented.

“Today, at the Hotel Valley de Prince this early afternoon, the Sierra Leonean occupants were asked to double in their rooms. At the Noubou Hotel Akwa, their doors were locked and they could not access their rooms for a better time of the day and at the Noubou Hotel Bonapriso, the doors were locked when we returned tired from doing our COVID-19 tests in anticipation of our return home tomorrow. The reason for all of these is that, we have over stayed the days paid for by the Ministry of Sports.

“At the Bonapriso, we had to almost create a scene when the receptionist reached out to her boss to explain the situation and she was instructed to open the doors.
Some of our colleagues had already began asking for the cost of a night, when the solace came.

“As it is now, we are very uncertain as to when we will depart for our motherland. No one seems to care and those who attempt it are also just doing deservice to us. No accurate travel and other related information required to people in a wilderness.

“The Tour Operators who earlier flew us into Cameroon are saying that arrangement for our flight back home is still in the air since they have not received any detailed information from the Ministry of Sports, which I am made to understand, is responsible for the flight arrangement.

“Pray for us dear Compatriots so that we can be flown home tomorrow to escape any further embarrassing situations in the hands of our Cameroonian hoteliers.”, He added.

However, a statement from The Ministry of Sports and the NSA says that all members of the Sierra delegation, especially the government scholarship supporters are doing well in Cameroon.

“Prior to the delegation (supporters) departure to Cameroon, arrangements were made for their stay and return which ends today.

“Following the team exit from the competition yesterday, all necessary modalities including return flight with a chartered flight tomorrow and Covid-19 test have been completed.”, the statement said.