Until Tuesday, Vincent Aboubakar remained the only player yet to report to the Indomitable Lions camp as Cameroon prepared for its upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The national team is set to face Cape Verde on November 13 in Yaoundé before traveling to Kigali to take on Rwanda on November 17. With his delayed arrival raising questions, the FC Porto striker has now finally joined his teammates, completing the squad ahead of these important fixtures.
Aboubakar’s return comes at a challenging moment in his club career. A key figure for FC Porto since joining the Portuguese side during the 2014/2015 season, the Cameroonian forward has endured a difficult period marked by injury setbacks. Last season, a serious knee injury kept him sidelined for several months, disrupting both his rhythm and his place in the team. Although he made his comeback in May, he has struggled to regain regular playing time under Porto coach Sérgio Conceição, who has not consistently included him in his plans.
Despite his limited opportunities at club level, Aboubakar remains highly valued by the Cameroonian national team. Head coach António Conceição continues to place strong faith in the experienced striker, recognizing both his leadership and his proven ability to deliver in decisive moments. For the Lions, Aboubakar’s presence adds not only technical quality but also experience and confidence within the squad.
The 27-year-old forward holds a special place in Cameroonian football history. He famously scored the winning goal in the final of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, securing the title for the Indomitable Lions and etching his name into the memories of fans across the country. That moment alone highlights his importance and explains why the coaching staff continues to rely on him, even during difficult spells at club level.
His return to the national team after a lengthy absence is therefore seen as both symbolic and strategic. Cameroon is looking to start its qualification campaign strongly, and having a player of Aboubakar’s caliber available could make a significant difference in attack. His strength, movement, and finishing ability provide additional options in the final third, particularly in tight matches where experience can prove decisive.
Beyond the immediate objectives of the qualifiers, this call-up could also represent a turning point for Aboubakar personally. Regular minutes with the national team may help him regain confidence and match fitness, potentially reigniting his career and improving his prospects at club level. International football often offers players the chance to reset and rediscover their best form, and Aboubakar will be eager to seize that opportunity.
With the squad now complete, the Indomitable Lions can focus fully on their preparations for Cape Verde and Rwanda. As Cameroon aims to secure early momentum in the qualifiers, all eyes will be on Vincent Aboubakar to once again prove why he remains one of the team’s most trusted and decisive players.
