The Cameroonian Football Federation has been plunged into turmoil just days before the Africa Cup of Nations begins.
A major rift has erupted between Cameroon FA President Samuel Eto’o and national team manager Marc Brys, who is reportedly refusing to accept his dismissal. Although the Belgian coach remains under contract with the Ministry of Sport until September 2026 and has not been formally removed, Eto’o has allegedly informed him that his tenure is effectively over.
The dispute has created chaos within the camp, culminating in the release of two different Cameroon squads for AFCON.
Following an emergency committee meeting on December 1, the Eto’o-led FA announced a 28-man squad for the tournament—naming David Pagou, not Brys, as head coach. Pagou, who is now listed on FIFA’s website, even held a press conference outlining Cameroon’s AFCON plans, accompanied by an entirely new coaching staff appointed by Eto’o.
The squad included several shocking omissions: former Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana, ex-Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting, and veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar were all left out.
Sources quoted by The Sun claim Eto’o personally pushed for Aboubakar’s exclusion to protect his own national goal-scoring record. Aboubakar, 33, is just 12 goals away from surpassing Eto’o as Cameroon’s all-time top scorer and could realistically break the record during the tournament.
In response, Brys—who insists he is still the legitimate coach—released a second squad list on Wednesday, reinstating the three high-profile players.
Speaking to Flemish outlet VTM NIEUWS, Brys said:
“Eto’o always intended to get rid of me as fast as possible. From the very first minute, he insulted me, and I responded. I was too much of a competitor for him.”
Regarding the initial squad that excluded key players, he added:
“Eto’o left out our leaders. He made that selection himself. How can yfou go to AFCON without a world-class goalkeeper or without Aboubakar? It’s unbelievable—but not surprising from someone who is narcissistic and thinks he’s the best.”
He told TV5 Monde on Tuesday:
“As long as there is no signed directive from the Presidency of the Republic appointing David Pagou as head coach, Marc Brys remains in charge in the eyes of the State. This is not debatable; it has been standard procedure in Cameroon for at least 30 years.”
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