Power struggles within Cameroon soccer have produced two competing AFCON squads and a leadership crisis that now threatens their 2025 campaign.
Cameroon’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have descended into confusion, with conflicting squad lists and leadership disputes dominating headlines. Reports show a deepening rift between the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and the Ministry of Sport over coaching authority and player selection.
This unrest comes as the AFCON tournament nears, raising questions about the Indomitable Lions’ stability and readiness. With rival coaches naming different squads, supporters, players, and pundits alike are watching developments anxiously.
Two Coaches, Two Squads And Mixed Messages
Cameroon now faces a surreal situation where two different coaches have released separate AFCON squad lists ahead of the tournament in Morocco (3.56). Former head coach Marc Brys, backed by the Ministry of Sport, insists he still leads the national team and has published his own squad. Brys’s list notably re-includes goalkeeper Andre Onana, a Manchester United loanee initially omitted from the federation’s version.
Meanwhile, FECAFOOT appointed assistant David Pagou as interim head coach and formally released its own 28-man roster. That squad excludes Onana and other high-profile names, opting instead for home-based or locally approved players. The contradiction between the lists has left clubs, pundits and fans uncertain about which will stand when AFCON begins.
It’s reported that sources say players have expressed concern to the Ministry of Sport, urging a swift resolution to avoid disruptions. Some reports even suggest a few internationals are considering withdrawing from duty if clarity does not emerge soon.
Politics, Power Struggles And Player Snubs
The crisis stems largely from a bitter power struggle between FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o and Cameroonian government officials. Brys’s dismissal by FECAFOOT followed Eto’o’s recent re-election as federation president. However, Brys claims he never received an official termination notice, citing a contract in force until September 2026.
Reports have also surfaced suggesting Eto’o influenced contentious squad decisions, including the controversial exclusion of Cameroon (17.41) legend Vincent Aboubakar from the AFCON roster. Some insiders claim personal motives may be involved. It is alleged that Eto’o, who holds the record with 56 goals for Cameroon, axed Aboubakar, currently on 45 goals, to protect his all-time top scorer status. However, neither federation officials nor Eto’o have publicly responded to these allegations.
The recurring theme of instability is not new. Earlier in 2025, tensions flared between Brys and FECAFOOT staff over technical control and coaching support, reflecting deeper institutional divisions.
Impact On Readiness And Competitive Prospects
This turmoil threatens Cameroon’s AFCON ambitions as the tournament draws closer. Division at the top could undermine team cohesion, especially when key internationals remain uncertain about leadership and selection. With the official squad submission deadline looming, it remains unclear which roster CAF will recognise.
Veteran stars like Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba, listed on both squads, may find themselves in a precarious position if the dispute persists. Meanwhile, other notable exclusions, including Onana and Aboubakar on FECAFOOT’s version, have sparked broader discussions about merit and influence in squad selection.
The situation has prompted debate among fans and commentators across social media. Some observers suggest intervention from CAF or FIFA may be required to prevent further damage to Cameroon’s reputation and performance prospects.
Cameroon’s AFCON Fixtures
Group Stage:
– Cameroon (2.04) vs. Gabon (3.80), 24 December 2025
– Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon, 28 December 2025
– Mozambique vs. Cameroon, 31 December 2025
Knockout Phase:
– Round of 16, 3-6 January 2026
– Quarter-finals, 9-10 January 2026
– Semi-finals, 14 January 2025
– Third-place match, 17 January 2025
– Final, 18 January 2025
