In 1990, Cameroon arrived at the FIFA World Cup as a “curiosity” in the eyes of the football establishment. Weeks later, they had reached the quarter-finals, stunned Argentina, inspired generations, and reshaped the global narrative about African football.

In this Wednesday History & Culture episode of My African Bookshelf (a podcast by ANSRd Labs), Jii tells the story of the Indomitable Lions of Italia ’90—through the iconic moments and the deeper context behind them: national pressure, dignity on a global stage, and the cultural concept of Hemlè—fighting spirit and collective identity.

In this episode:

• The Miracle of Milan and the shock of Cameroon vs Argentina
• Roger Milla’s return and the Makossa celebration
• The run through Romania, Colombia, and the England quarter-final
• The human stories: Thomas N’Kono, the “journeymen,” and recognition
• What was truly won—and why the story is often remembered incorrectly

Sources / References: Wikipedia; FIFA TV; Science Publishing Group (AJSS) — Hemlè article: https://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/article/10.11648/j.ajss.20251303.13
Images: Getty Images (licensed, where applicable)
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