Cameroon forced into early squad change as David Pagou faces fresh selection criticism

Cameroon have been forced to make an early change to their squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong ruled out through injury and replaced by Alanyaspor striker Ivan Cedric Bikoue.

The decision is likely to intensify scrutiny of head coach David Pagou, whose original 26-man selection was already met with strong criticism from supporters and sections of the Cameroon media.

The Indomitable Lions are due to begin their qualifying campaign in the coming days, but Pagou must now revise his plans before the squad has even assembled. Etta Eyong’s absence represents the first significant withdrawal from a list that had already generated considerable debate.

Bikoue has been selected as his replacement, although his call-up is likely to attract attention for another reason: the forward has not played a single minute for Alanyaspor this season.

That statistic was quickly highlighted by supporters on social media. One fan reacted angrily to the decision, adding to an existing sense of frustration over the coach’s selection policy.

The criticism follows the publication of Pagou’s squad, with many supporters questioning both the thinking behind his choices and the wider objectives of his tenure. Several Cameroonian media outlets have also focused on the absence of players involved in European competitions with their clubs.

At the same time, the squad includes footballers playing in second divisions, reserve teams or leagues considered less competitive. The inclusion of Bikoue, despite his lack of first-team minutes this season, is therefore likely to reinforce the concerns of Pagou’s critics.

Pagou’s intention is understood to be a major rebuild of the Indomitable Lions. He wants to place greater emphasis on youth and establish a new hierarchy around Bryan Mbeumo.

However, the further his selections move away from the established pecking order at club level, the greater the pressure on him to justify those decisions through results.

Cameroon will host Comoros on 24 September before travelling to Congo-Brazzaville on 29 September. They will then face Cote d’Ivoire in a friendly on 3 October.

The Indomitable Lions will have little room for error after missing out on the 2026 World Cup. With the team preparing for an important qualifying campaign, the latest squad change has provided another source of controversy before Pagou’s plans have had the chance to take shape.