Cameroon call up Ivan Cédric Bikoue Embolo to replace injured Karl Etta Eyong

Cameroon head coach David Pagou has picked Ivan Cédric Bikoue Embolo as the replacement for injured striker Karl Etta Eyong ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Eyong was forced to withdraw from the squad after sustaining a muscle injury during a training session with Spanish club Levante last Friday.

Medical examinations revealed an injury to the anterior muscle in his right leg, with the Levante forward expected to be sidelined for between six and eight weeks.

The injury means Eyong will miss Cameroon’s upcoming training camp and their first two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Indomitable Lions are scheduled to face Comoros on September 24 before taking on Congo on September 29, while Eyong is also expected to miss the team’s friendly against Ivory Coast on October 3 in Abidjan.

With the striker ruled out, Pagou has moved quickly to strengthen his attacking options by calling up Bikoue Embolo, who was initially included on the reserve list.

The Alanyaspor striker will now join the main squad and could be handed an opportunity to impress the Cameroon technical team during the upcoming camp.

Bikoue Embolo’s call-up comes at an important time for the Indomitable Lions as they prepare for a busy international schedule, with Cameroon aiming to make a strong start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

For Eyong, the focus will now shift to his recovery as he looks to return to full fitness and resume his club and international duties.