CAF, UNHCR sponsor Nigerian refugees to watch Eagles in Garoua
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) have decided to give refugees displaced by insecurity in Nigeria and living in Cameroon a lifetime adventure. When the UNHCR found out that Nigeria would be playing their group matches in Garoua, a five-hour drive from Minawao, they got in […]
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) have decided to give refugees displaced by insecurity in Nigeria and living in Cameroon a lifetime adventure.
When the UNHCR found out that Nigeria would be playing their group matches in Garoua, a five-hour drive from Minawao, they got in touch with CAF and organised tickets for them to watch the games.
The president of the refugees, Isaac Luka, who has lived in the camp since 2014 said CAF and UNHCR wanted to give the refugees the chance to physically see the football players they see on the screens.
“Nigeria and Sudan are affected by insecurity and the United Nations felt it was important for us to watch the game. It was an opportunity for the refugees to see the Nigerian players and cheer for the Super Eagles. This trip was sponsored by CAF and UNHCR.
“The insecurity in Nigeria is the reason why we left the country and we fled for our lives. We have been in Cameroon for the past 9 years. When Boko Haram attacked us in our villages in Borno, we were rescued by the UNHCR and hosted by the government of Cameroon,” he said.
Luka also said the Nigerian government has been supportive to ensure they live well in the camps while revealing he fled Borno state in June 2014 after Boko Haram terrorists killed more than 20 people in his village, including his family.
“I left my village in Gwazo after Boko Haram attacks. I moved from place to place till I found myself here. The Nigerian government has done their best to see that we are supported in every way possible. Their representatives like the consulate have been visiting the camp,” he said.