Aaron Mbimbe backs David Pagou’s Cameroon squad for Namibia qualifiers

David Pagou has named a 28-player Cameroon squad for the double-header against Namibia in the CAN 2027 qualifiers, and former Indomitable Lions centre-back Aaron Mbimbe says the selection is consistent with the coach’s plans.

Pagou has included four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders and four forwards in the squad.

Mbimbe, speaking exclusively to Africafoot, believes the list reflects a clear continuity in the national team project. He says David Pagou is remaining faithful to his ideas as he works to establish a stable core while also introducing new players.

The former Cameroon defender feels the coach’s influence is becoming increasingly visible, with the foundations of the team continuing to develop since the last major competition.

For Mbimbe, maintaining a degree of continuity should help consolidate the group. At the same time, the squad contains fresh faces, suggesting that Pagou is balancing stability with renewal rather than making wholesale changes.

Questions over defensive choices

Mbimbe did, however, raise questions about the defensive selections. Although 10 defenders have been called up, several players involved during the last FIFA international window are absent from the latest list.

The former Indomitable Lions player’s assessment follows his analysis of the previous international break and focuses particularly on the choices made at the back.

The defensive composition is one of the main areas to attract attention in a squad that otherwise appears to follow the direction established by Pagou.

Local players rewarded

Mbimbe also welcomed the inclusion of players from the domestic league, describing their selection as recognition for performances in Cameroon’s championship.

Among those included are players from La Colombe du Sud, as well as the young captain of the under-20 side.

Ivan Jordan Nana is identified as one of David Pagou’s surprises with Cameroon. His presence underlines the coach’s willingness to give opportunities to emerging players while continuing to rely on an established framework.

Overall, Mbimbe believes the squad confirms that Pagou has not departed from his reconstruction plan. In his view, the coach is continuing to follow the roadmap he has set for Cameroon, combining continuity, new additions and greater recognition for players performing in the local championship.