Thomas N’Kono Considered to Replace Volker Finke as Cameroon Coach Amid Puma Objections
Cameroonian football legend Thomas N’Kono is reportedly being considered as a possible successor to Volker Finke as head coach of the Indomitable Lions, according to La Nouvelle Expression. The move is said to be under consideration by Joseph Owona, president of the Cameroon Football Federation’s (Fecafoot) Normalisation Committee.
N’Kono, a former international goalkeeper and African football icon, previously served as interim coach of the national team in 2009. Currently involved with the team in a technical role, he enjoys strong support among fans and within Cameroonian football circles due to his long-standing service and legacy.
However, the potential appointment faces a significant hurdle: Puma, the national team’s official equipment supplier, is reportedly opposed to the departure of the current coach, Volker Finke. The German manager, whose contract expires in just over two weeks, still retains backing from the German brand, which is said to be lobbying for his extension.
According to the same report, Puma has gone as far as requesting input into the selection of Finke’s possible successor, should his contract not be renewed—an unusual but not unprecedented move that highlights the growing influence of commercial partners in national team affairs.
These complications could make the coaching transition more difficult than expected, despite growing dissatisfaction with Finke’s results and the increasing momentum behind N’Kono’s candidacy.
As the clock ticks toward the end of Finke’s tenure, Cameroonian football authorities are under pressure to make a decisive call—balancing national interests with commercial partnerships, and tradition with modern football realities.
