Onana and Cameroon: A Rift Exploding at the Worst Possible Time

Cameroon is once again at the center of a storm. The decision to leave André Onana out of the AFCON 2025 squad didn’t just surprise fans—it sent shockwaves through the entire country. After rebuilding his confidence and form in Turkey, many expected the goalkeeper to return as a key pillar. Instead, his name was nowhere to be found.

For many Cameroonians, the message feels unmistakable, this is no longer just about football.

The exclusion came hand in hand with another bombshell: head coach Marc Brys was abruptly fired after being accused of “subterfuge,” disobedience, and creating internal friction. And behind the turmoil, one figure stands out unmistakably—Samuel Eto’o, president of Fecafoot.

From Brys’ Dismissal to a Full-Scale Power Reset

What’s happening in Cameroon feels less like normal sporting politics and more like the script of a prestige drama series.

The federation’s statement accused Brys of a long list of infractions: skipping meetings, withholding training plans, damaging relationships with sponsors, and even allegedly collaborating with “unknown individuals.” The language was as fierce as it was unusual—and it came just days after Eto’o was re-elected as federation president.

Almost immediately, assistant coach David Pagou was named the new manager, a move widely interpreted as Eto’o consolidating control behind the scenes.

The irony is impossible to miss, the same legend who once denounced federation chaos as a player is now accused of orchestrating it from the boardroom.

André Onana: The Biggest Casualty of Cameroon’s Internal Battles

Onana’s story with the national team has always been turbulent:
• suspended mid-World Cup in 2022 after a dispute with the coaching staff,
• criticized for his modern, high-risk sweeper-keeper style,
• praised abroad, questioned at home.

His strong performances in Turkey should have placed him back in contention. Instead, the federation offered no explanation for his omission, fuelling speculation that the decision was driven by politics—not performance.

The disappointment is magnified by another harsh reality: Cameroon failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing to DR Congo in the play-offs.

It’s a painful moment for a football nation, and the absence of one of its biggest stars only deepens the crisis. With AFCON around the corner, many are asking a simple but troubling question: Is Cameroon prioritizing power over talent?

A Split Nation Heading Toward AFCON With More Questions Than Answers

AFCON 2025 was supposed to be a turning point for Cameroon—an opportunity to rebuild identity and pride. Instead, it begins under heavy shadows:
• key players excluded,
• a coach fired weeks before the tournament,
• a federation in open conflict,
• and a fanbase wondering if their team’s best interests are truly being protected.

When Cameroon step onto the pitch in Morocco, the spotlight will inevitably fall on the goalkeeper’s position—and on the man not standing between the posts.

The drama off the field may end up defining their tournament before a ball is even kicked.