Abu Azeez praises Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina's form

Nigerian beach soccer legend Abu Azeez has praised the performance of Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. The 22-year-old shot-stopper made four penalty saves to help the Indomitable Lionesses reach the WAFCON 2026 final against Malawi.

Speaking via social media, Azeez stated that he has not seen a female player perform in such a manner before. He suggested that her displays throughout the tournament make her a serious contender for the African Women's Player of the Year award. This follows a semifinal match in Rabat where Bihina denied Morocco four times from the penalty spot.

Bihina's tournament has been defined by high-pressure performances. Before the semifinal success, she recorded nine saves in a match against Nigeria that resulted in the Super Falcons' exit from the competition. While some critics initially questioned her ability during the Nigeria fixture, her recent clean sweep from penalties has shifted the conversation.

Her rise has sparked a debate regarding the continental hierarchy and whether she can surpass established stars like Nigeria's Chiamaka Nnadozie. Some supporters believe her current form guarantees her the WAFCON Golden Glove, the Player of the Tournament award, and the African Female Best Player of the Year title.

However, the praise has met resistance from some football pundits. One critic argued that while Bihina is talented, the high standard of women's football means she is still far from the Player of the Year level. This critic advised fans to avoid premature hype given the depth of talent among African goalkeepers.

Cameroon now prepares for their final match of the tournament. Bihina's recent sequence of performances against elite opposition has placed her at the center of a discussion regarding a potential change in the continent's goalkeeper rankings.