Former Cameroonian international Alexandre Song has come forward to defend his uncle, Rigobert Song, in the face of criticism following the disappointing campaign of the “Indomitable Lions” in the African Cup of Nations (afcon2024).
Song, in a statement to CRTV, raised questions about the extent of freedom given to the technical staff and players, emphasizing the importance of mental freedom for optimal performance.
He remarked, “Do the technical staff have their hands free? Are the players free? If mentally you are not free, the body does not follow. We left players like Choupo Moting, Martin Hongla, and Nsame who could contribute.”
Expressing concern about the challenges faced by some of the selected young players, Song stated, “I have nothing against the young people we took, but we saw that they had difficulties.”
This revelation sheds light on the dynamics within the Cameroonian selection and reinforces the influence of Samuel Eto’o since assuming the role of head of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT).
The future of Rigobert Song with the “Indomitable Lions” remains uncertain, with sources suggesting that Samuel Eto’o is advocating for an extension of his tenure for a new period.
Despite his achievements, the former Liverpool defender faces criticism from some Cameroonian supporters due to the team’s lackluster performance.
As discussions surrounding Rigobert Song’s future unfold, the Cameroonian football community awaits further developments in the coming days.
The scrutiny on coaching decisions and team dynamics continues to be a focal point of the post-AFCON analysis, raising questions about the trajectory of the national football team under its current leadership.
