AFCON 2025: Ex-Cameroon striker Tiko Messina slams FIFA over delayed player release

Tiko Messina criticises FIFA’s decision to push the release date of African internationals to 15 December, calling the move a severe setback for national teams preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Cameroon forward, who previously finished runner-up at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, says the ruling creates unnecessary obstacles for African sides that already struggle with limited preparation windows.

He argues that FIFA’s decision ignores the realities faced by African coaches and players as they approach a major continental tournament.

Messina questions how national teams can build cohesion or implement tactical plans with only a handful of days before the competition begins.

He highlights Cameroon as an example, pointing out that the team recently appointed David Pagou as head coach.

Pagou now faces the task of installing his philosophy and system in just six days, a challenge Messina describes as unrealistic for any national coach.

He believes the revised release date favours European clubs at the expense of African national teams.

According to him, the Africa Cup of Nations deserves proper respect and adequate preparation time, and he insists that national interests must take priority.

Messina urges FIFA to revisit the decision, arguing that teams cannot compete effectively without meaningful time to prepare.

Cameroon’s new technical staff, led by Pagou, named a 28-man squad for AFCON 2025 shortly after replacing former manager Marc Brys, who failed to guide the Indomitable Lions to the 2026 World Cup.

The delayed release ruling means Pagou begins his tenure under immediate pressure, with virtually no margin for tactical preparation before the tournament begins.

Messina says the situation leaves African teams at a clear disadvantage and reflects a broader pattern of decisions that complicate Africa’s efforts to compete on equal footing.