Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations preparations have descended into chaos after a bitter power struggle between head coach Marc Brys and the Samuel Eto’o-led football federation resulted in two different AFCON squads being submitted, plunging the Indomitable Lions into uncertainty.
The turmoil began shortly after Eto’o was re-elected as federation president, when the FA announced Brys’ dismissal and named David Pagou as his replacement.
A new squad list followed, omitting key figures Andre Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar. Brys immediately rejected the decision, stressing that he was appointed by the Ministry of Sport and can only be removed by the state.
“As long as there is no signed note from the Presidency of the Republic appointing David Pagou, in the eyes of the State of Cameroon, Mr Marc Brys remains,” Brys said in an interview with TV5 Monde. “This is not up for discussion.”
In defiance, the Belgian submitted his own AFCON squad to the Ministry, restoring both Onana and Aboubakar, and accused Eto’o of attempting to undermine him. Speaking to VTM Nieuws, Brys claimed, “It’s always been Eto’o’s goal to get me out as quickly as possible. From the very first minute, he insulted me.”
Brys also criticised the FA’s selection choices, questioning the exclusion of senior players. “How can you go to the Africa Cup of Nations without a world-class goalkeeper? Or without Aboubakar?” he asked, adding that the decisions were “unbelievable” but not surprising.
The dispute has been further inflamed by claims that Aboubakar’s omission was designed to protect Eto’o’s status as Cameroon’s all-time leading scorer.
Eto’o holds the record with 56 goals, while Aboubakar has 45, and insiders have suggested the former striker was keen to avoid that mark being threatened.
With reports of emergency talks between government officials and FA representatives ongoing, Cameroon remain in limbo.
Less than two weeks before their AFCON opener against Gabon, there is still no clarity over who will be in charge of the team or which players will take the field.