Cameroon’s campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has taken an unprecedented turn as the nation shockingly released two separate squads for the tournament.
The confusion stems from a fierce power struggle between Cameroon FA President Samuel Eto’o and national team manager Marc Brys. With the tournament only days away, the Indomitable Lions find themselves in the global spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
The tension between Eto’o and Brys has been simmering for months, but recent events have exposed the depth of the rift. Reports indicate that Belgian coach Marc Brys is refusing to accept his dismissal, insisting he remains the lawful head coach of Cameroon. The FA, however, claims to have replaced him after an emergency meeting held on December 1.
Following that meeting, the Cameroon Football Federation unveiled a 28-man squad and announced David Pagou as the new head coach. This decision alone would have raised eyebrows, but the situation escalated rapidly when Brys responded by issuing his own squad list, complete with reinstated key players.
Controversial Omissions Spark Outrage Among Fans
The squad released by the FA immediately triggered backlash due to the exclusion of high-profile players. Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana, veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar, and forward Eric Choupo-Moting were all left out. For a nation preparing for continental competition, the omissions seemed shocking and inexplicable.
According to reports from The Sun, the decision to drop Aboubakar may have been influenced by Eto’o himself. Aboubakar is only 12 goals away from overtaking Eto’o as Cameroon’s all-time top scorer. The suggestion that Eto’o pushed for his removal to protect his record sent shockwaves through the football community and fuelled accusations of conflict of interest.
Marc Brys did not remain silent. In an interview with Flemish outlet VTM NIEUWS, the Belgian coach accused Eto’o of undermining him from the beginning. Brys said, “It is always been Eto’o’s goal to get me out as quickly as possible. From the very first minute, he insulted me, and I reacted. I was too much of a competitor for him.”
Brys rejected the FA’s squad list and reinstated the omitted stars in his own list. H
“Eto’o had left key players and leaders out of the squad. Because, of course, he had made that selection. How can you go to the Africa Cup of Nations without a world-class goalkeeper? Or without Aboubakar? It is unbelievable, but actually, it does not surprise me. It is coming from someone who is narcissistic and thinks he is the best.”
Marc Brys
His statements deepened the national controversy and painted a picture of a fractured leadership incapable of united decision-making.
The power struggle has now raised significant legal and institutional questions in Cameroon. While the FA recognizes David Pagou as the new coach, Brys insists that only the state has the authority to appoint or dismiss a national team manager. He claims that the Ministry of Sport still acknowledges him.
In an interview with, Brys stated, “As long as there is no signed note from the Presidency of the Republic appointing David Pagou as the coach of the Indomitable Lions, in the eyes of the State of Cameroon, Mr. Marc Brys remains. This is not up for discussion, and it has been this way in Cameroon for at least 30 years.”
This conflicting interpretation of authority has produced an unprecedented scenario where two coaching teams, two squad lists, and two chains of command exist simultaneously.
David Pagou Steps Into the Chaos
Meanwhile, David Pagou has attempted to take charge of his new role. He held a press conference to outline his vision for the team and was accompanied by an entirely new technical staff appointed by Eto’o. His listing as Cameroon’s coach on FIFA’s official website further strengthens the FA’s stance, although it does not end the dispute.
Players are reportedly confused about which squad to report to, and the current situation threatens team unity and preparation. With AFCON fast approaching, the uncertainty poses a serious risk to Cameroon’s chances in the tournament.
The unfolding crisis has triggered massive public debate across Cameroon. Supporters are frustrated and worried that administrative infighting could destroy the team’s AFCON prospects. Instead of tactical drills and team bonding, the Indomitable Lions are trapped in a political battle that overshadows their continental aspirations.
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