Cameroonian-born basketball player Joel Embiid was decorated Commander of the Order of Valor by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, this Wednesday, August 14, upon his arrival in Cameroon after the Paris Games. This distinction comes after Embiid won the gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games with the United States team.
Having chosen to represent the United States rather than France or his native Cameroon, Embiid was criticized by many French and Cameroonians who would have liked to see him wear the colors of his homeland. Embiid justified his choice by explaining that he did it for his son, who was born in the United States, and because winning Olympic gold was part of his dreams.
His decoration by the Minister of Sports, however, has revived controversy, with some Cameroonians highlighting the ban on dual nationality in the country and denouncing preferential treatment towards the athlete.
During his meeting with Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Embiid said that after understanding the significance of this decoration, he realizes that “it's more than a gold medal.”
” I come from Cameroon, as I always say, and that will never change” , Embiid said.
After his Olympic victory with the United States, Embiid hinted that he could play for Cameroon in the next Games if the team qualifies. Such a move would be possible, but it would require approval from both countries involved, as well as meeting several other requirements.
The distinction highlights Embiid's unique journey, which continues to be a source of pride for many Cameroonians, despite debates surrounding his nationality.
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