AFCON 2015 – Volker Finke Speaks Candidly on Dual Nationals and Cameroon’s Identity Crisis
In a revealing pre-match press conference held at the CAF Centre of Excellence in Mbankomo, Cameroon’s head coach Volker Finke opened up about the challenges facing the Indomitable Lions, particularly concerning the integration of dual-nationality players into the national team setup.
The issue of dual nationals—players born or raised abroad with Cameroonian roots—has grown increasingly complex in recent years, and Finke did not shy away from addressing it head-on.
“We have to wait a little, please, because over the last four years, the Lions’ reputation has not been good,” said Finke to camfoot.com.
“All these young people are aware of everything that is happening here in the den. They know everything that is going on. And we have to convince them.”
A Matter of Reputation and Timing
Finke reminded the press that Cameroon’s FIFA ranking had drastically declined—from 11th in 2010 to 71st at the time of his appointment.
“In 2010 we were 11th in the FIFA rankings and it was easy to convince the players. Before the last World Cup, we were 53rd. It’s not easy to convince these young players to decide for Cameroon. They grew up there, were trained there, educated there,” he added, referring to the players’ European upbringing.
The Embolo Example
Finke offered a concrete case: Breel Embolo, the highly rated Swiss-Cameroonian forward.
“I really spoke. I saw young Embolo four months ago. I talked with him about a lot of things. I was surprised. Breel Embolo is really a young man who speaks the German-Swiss dialect. He’s also aware of and observes everything that’s happening here,” said Finke, who has longstanding ties to both Freiburg and Basel.
“Don’t Buy Dual Nationals” – A Warning Against Opportunism
Finke warned against recruiting players without heart or commitment, purely for their footballing pedigree.
“We shouldn’t take everyone who is dual national. No! There are some who have a lot of talent. For me, I think we have to take the one who comes with a good spirit. We shouldn’t buy a dual national, please. We shouldn’t compromise with the family. That’s my opinion.”
Instead, Finke emphasized that the national team must rebuild its identity, which starts with restoring trust and setting higher standards both on and off the pitch.
Conclusion: Rebuilding the Indomitable Lions
In a time where many African nations are scouring Europe for players with eligible roots, Cameroon’s coach advocates a principled, patient approach:
One that values commitment over convenience, identity over impulse, and long-term unity over short-term fixes.
Volker Finke’s message is clear: The Indomitable Lions must first roar with integrity—before expecting anyone to join the pride.
