Cameroon open talks with Everton teenager Jonathan Nsangou over international future

Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has held talks with Everton prospect Jonathan Nsangou as the national team attempts to persuade the highly rated midfielder to represent the Indomitable Lions.

Nsangou, who is only 16, has attracted significant attention with a series of convincing performances in England. The youngster is currently an England Under-16 international, representing the Young Lions, but his international future remains open because of his eligibility for three countries.

Alongside England and Cameroon, Nsangou is also able to play for Poland. That combination of sporting options has made him a closely monitored player on the international scene, despite his young age.

Eto’o’s direct conversation with the player and his representatives underlines Cameroon’s intention to act early in its efforts to recruit promising members of the diaspora. The country’s football authorities are seeking to outline the vision of the Indomitable Lions and encourage Nsangou to commit to the green, red and yellow shirt.

The approach places Cameroon in a position to compete with both England and Poland for the midfielder’s international allegiance. Nsangou’s current involvement with the England Under-16 side means he is already developing within the English youth set-up, while his eligibility for Cameroon and Poland leaves open the possibility of a different path at senior level.

For Cameroon, the contact with Nsangou forms part of a broader effort to identify and engage talented young players with links to the country. Eto’o’s involvement gives the initiative added prominence, with the federation president speaking directly to one of Everton’s emerging prospects and his entourage.

No decision by Nsangou has been reported, and the teenager remains an England Under-16 international at present. However, his triple nationality has created a situation in which Cameroon is actively making its case before the player’s senior international future is settled.

The objective of Eto’o’s discussions is to present the national team’s project and persuade Nsangou that his future should be with the Indomitable Lions. Cameroon hopes the midfielder will ultimately choose to wear the national colours, adding a player regarded as a promising talent in England to its pool of eligible footballers.