Cameroon head coach David Pagou has highlighted the influential role Samuel Eto’o plays behind the scenes as the Indomitable Lions advance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Lions are set to face South Africa in the Round of 16 on Sunday at Agdal Medina Stadium, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.
Pagou, who took over from Belgian coach Marc Brys just weeks before the tournament, stressed the importance of his close relationship with Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot).
Brys, by contrast, had a well-documented feud with the former striker.
Speaking to CRTV Sports, Pagou said: “A football team is made up of the president and the coach. So, with Samuel Eto’o, we talk a lot and he helps me a lot.
“I tell him, of course, on the pitch, all the better. We get along well and communicate a lot.
“He gives me some tips. In every team I’ve been on, my biggest supporter has to be my president,” he added.
Eto’o’s guidance, Pagou suggests, has been instrumental in shaping Cameroon’s approach as they aim to progress deeper into the tournament.
