Tensions between André Onana and Samuel Eto’o escalated publicly this week, drawing widespread attention in Cameroonian football circles.
The dispute began after Eto’o, president of FECAFOOT, denied claims that the Onana family paid training fees during the goalkeeper’s early development at the Fundesport Foundation.
On a local television program, Eto’o dismissed the notion outright. “I learned from one of his close associates that they had paid.
They hadn’t paid anything. They didn’t even have enough money to eat. Absolutely false! It’s a complete lie. I didn’t do it because I was expecting a reward afterward,” he stated firmly, defending his record as a mentor and head of Cameroonian football.
Eto’o also emphasised the founding mission of Fundesport: to create a network of talented players who could serve the country.
“It turns out that one of the best in the world comes from this foundation: André Onana,” he added, highlighting the goalkeeper’s global success while reinforcing the foundation’s role in nurturing talent.
Hours after Eto’o’s comments, Onana posted a video on Snapchat that intensified speculation.
The clip, narrated by Kouagne Donatien, describes “a great manipulator, a purveyor of illusions.” While Onana offered no direct commentary, the imagery and narrative style suggested pointed criticism of Eto’o without naming him explicitly.
Observers note that Onana’s choice of indirect messaging avoids direct confrontation while still conveying a meaningful statement.
At 29, the Manchester United goalkeeper, currently on loan in Turkey, appears intent on addressing the matter symbolically rather than verbally, allowing the video to speak for him.
The feud highlights the complex dynamics between former mentors and protégés in African football, raising questions about leadership, loyalty, and recognition within FECAFOOT.
Both figures maintain strong public profiles, and their exchange has stirred debate among fans, analysts, and the media.
As speculation grows, the Cameroon football community watches closely, awaiting whether the disagreement will be resolved privately or continue to unfold on social and traditional media platforms.
