Cameroon authorities have blamed a deadly stadium crush at the African Cup of Nations tournament on a "massive" influx of ticketless fans who arrived late to a game involving the host team and tried to force their way in to avoid security checks and COVID-19 screening.

Eight people have now died after a stampede outside a game at the African Cup of Nations soccer tournament in Cameroon, as witnesses blamed security officials for errors while news footage showed fans climbing over fences earlier to bypass checks and get into the stadium.

Suspected Boko Haram militants have killed more than 20 people including multiple children in their latest attack on northern Cameroon, easily overwhelming the few soldiers posted at the targeted village, residents said Monday.