The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have openly rebelled against Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot), marking a significant shift in their relationship with the iconic football figure.
Since his election, Samuel Eto’o has presented himself as a staunch ally of the players, leveraging his illustrious past to connect with the team.
However, recent events have unveiled a growing rift between Eto’o’s promises and his actions.
Following their impressive 4-1 victory against Cape Verde, in Marc Brys’ debut as coach during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the players were taken aback by a threatening letter sent on Eto’o’s orders.
The message, delivered via email and WhatsApp with copies sent to their club presidents, sparked immediate outrage.
Camfoot reported that this act of sending a threatening letter ignited a “rebellion” within the team, deepening the sense of betrayal and mistrust towards Eto’o.
This unrest coincides with Eto’o’s ongoing conflict with the Ministry of Sports (Minsep), suggesting he may not have fully celebrated the team’s success against Cape Verde.
Players Unite in Protest
The once loyal Indomitable Lions decided to voice their discontent forcefully. During a celebratory cocktail organized by Eto’o on Saturday evening, the players unanimously refused to attend.
The following day, they opted to travel to the airport using a bus provided by the government instead of the Fecafoot’s vehicle.
According to sources, the players further refused to board the chartered plane until the staff appointed by Minsep was allowed to join them.
Eto’o, who was in Paris at the time, was ultimately compelled to accede to the players’ demands, marking a significant defeat in this power struggle.
Despite attempts to reconcile, the rift between Eto’o and the players remains evident, posing a potential threat to the stability of Cameroonian football.
A Call for Stability
The Indomitable Lions, weary from years of internal conflicts and tensions under Eto’o’s leadership, now yearn for stability.
Their focus is firmly on their mission: to represent Cameroon with pride on the international stage.
This resolve will be tested on Tuesday evening as they face Angola at the 11 November National Stadium in Luanda for the 4th day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
As the team navigates these turbulent times, the future of Cameroonian football hangs in the balance, with the players’ desire for harmony clashing against the backdrop of administrative discord.
🔴 La délégation camerounaise lors de son arrivée à Luanda..🦁🇨🇲
📸 @FecafootOfficie pic.twitter.com/8658LZc2mo
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) June 9, 2024
