Clinton N’Jié’s Rise Applauded by Former Cameroon Star Joseph-Désiré Job
Former Cameroon international Joseph-Désiré Job has praised the rapid progress of Olympique Lyonnais forward Clinton N’Jié, who has made a striking impact for both club and country in recent weeks.
Job, 36, who enjoyed a diverse career across Europe and the Middle East with clubs including Lens, Metz, Middlesbrough, and Al Ittihad, spoke to OLTV about his admiration for the young forward’s emergence. Once a player at Lyon himself, Job keeps a close eye on his former club’s fortunes and has been impressed by N’Jié’s recent form.
“When I have the opportunity, I watch all of Lyon’s matches—I always follow my club,” Job said. “No one really expected to see Clinton N’Jié rise so quickly in Cameroon’s national team setup. But things went well for him. He seized the opportunity and made it count.”
N’Jié, who scored three goals in just two appearances for the Indomitable Lions, has been lauded for his composure and ability to deliver under pressure. His performances have not only earned him a regular spot in Lyon’s senior squad but have also raised expectations within Cameroon’s football community.
According to Job, the 21-year-old must now adapt to a new phase in his career—one defined by greater visibility and growing responsibilities.
“It gave him confidence,” Job explained. “But he has to understand that he now has a new status. People will look at him differently, expect more from him.”
Job himself earned 52 caps for Cameroon, scoring eight goals during a national team career that included appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup. As such, his endorsement carries significant weight in Cameroonian football circles.
N’Jié’s breakout performances reflect a broader trend of emerging talent bolstering the ranks of both Lyon and the national team, as Cameroon looks to rebuild and reposition itself among Africa’s football elite. With veterans like Samuel Eto’o having stepped aside, younger players like N’Jié are being tasked with carrying the torch forward.
As the footballing spotlight increasingly shifts onto the promising attacker, observers will be keen to see whether N’Jié can maintain his momentum and handle the pressure that comes with greater expectations—both at the club level and on the international stage.
