Cameroon squad changes spark backlash as Pagou faces fierce criticism

Cameroon manager David Pagou has been heavily criticised after naming a 26-man squad for the Indomitable Lions’ upcoming fixtures, with supporters questioning the omission of several established players and the inclusion of a number of relatively inexperienced alternatives.

Pagou announced his selection on Monday for Cameroon’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Comoros and Congo on 24 and 29 September respectively, as well as a friendly against Cote d’Ivoire on 3 October.

The list continues the rebuilding process begun at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Five new players have been called up, with the group’s average age close to 23: left-back Lilian Njoh, 24, of Servette; striker Bil Nsongo, 21, of Deportivo La Coruna; winger Harouna Djibirin, 19, of Angers; defensive midfielder Roy Nyengue, 24, of ES Zarzis; and goalkeeper Merlin Lako, 27, of Marumo Gallants.

However, several recognisable names have been left out. Devis Epassy, Nouhou Tolo – who captained Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations – Frank Magri, Christian Bassogog, Flavien Boyomo, Christopher Wooh, Gerzino Nyamsi, Eric-Junior Dina-Ebimbe, Jean Onana, Olivier Kemen and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou were all omitted.

Their exclusions follow those of former key figures Vincent Aboubakar and Andre Onana, who had already been left out before the Africa Cup of Nations. Carlos Baleba is unavailable because of injury, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has retired from international football.

The scale of the changes has not been well received in Cameroon, particularly because many supporters consider the replacements inexperienced at international level. Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Blondy Nna Noukeu and Samuel Kotto are playing in the French second tier, while Darlin Yongwa, Jackson Tchatchoua, Kevin Keben and Junior Tchamadeu are in England’s second division.

Emmanuel Moungam plays in Switzerland’s second tier, while Duplex Tchamba Bangou is based in the Brasileirao. The criticism has been intensified by the omission of players who are considered to have stronger recent credentials.

Harold Moukoudi and Yvan Dibango, both involved in European competitions with their respective clubs, have not been selected. Enzo Ebosse of Udinese, Dina Ebimbe of Schalke 04 and Nathan Ngoumou of Nice are also among those absent.

Cameroon football outlet La Taniere237 reacted sarcastically to the selection, writing: “Il vaut visiblement mieux jouer en reserve a Lille, au Bresil, en Tunisie ou en D2 suedoise pour etre considere. On marche sur la tete”.

The comment was an indirect reference to Angel Yondjo, who joined Lille’s reserve side this summer, as well as Bangou, Nyengue, Monyebe and Moungam.

Pagou’s personnel decisions have also led to comparisons with former Cameroon manager Marc Brys, who left a poor impression on many supporters. La Taniere237, which has been particularly outspoken, said the manager from Buea was doing “pire” than his predecessor.

The outlet accused Pagou of using Cameroon’s generally promising Africa Cup of Nations campaign as an opportunity to conduct experiments. His choices will now come under close scrutiny when the Indomitable Lions return to action, with further poor results likely to increase pressure on his position.