Two Cameroon AFCON Squads Announced after Rift between Samuel Eto'o, Marc Brys

Two different Cameroon AFCON squads have been released with just a few weeks before the country's opening game against Gabon in the AFCON 2025. The power struggle erupted amidst Cameroon head coach dispute. Back in April 2024, the Cameroon Ministry of Sports appointed Belgian gaffer Marc Brys as the head coach. Despite his appointment, conflicts rose after Samuel Eto'o led FECAFOOT had contrasting opinions with the head coach in many cases.

The conflict grabbed everyone's attention recently after two different Cameroon squad for AFCON 2025 came out ahead of the tournament, slated to kick off on December 21.

African football legend Samuel Eto'o recently claimed that Brys has been sacked and that interim coach David Pagou has been appointed the new head coach of the Cameroon national football team.

Onana and Aboubkar Excluded from Pagou's squad

Despite FECAFOOT claiming that Brys has been sacked, he refused to step down, claiming that he is only answerable to the Ministry and that the Ministry only has all legal and institutional power to sack or appoint him.

David Pagou announced his 28-member squad that omitted some big names, including the likes of former Manchester United custodian Andre Onana and legendary icon, Vincent Aboubkar. To spice things up, Cameroon head coach Marc Brys also named his Cameroon squad 2025, which included these notable exclusions.

What Next for Cameroon Football?

Ahead of the AFCON 2025, all eyes will be on CAF. The Cameroon football federation, however, did not stamp either of the squad lists. So, whether CAF will approve Marc Brys' squad or FECAFOOT will get a green light is a matter of time.

Looking at Cameroon's rich footballing legacy in African stage and world football, it's quite concerning to see how football, even today, is being dominated by political and personal bias.