Cameroon squad rocked by notable omissions as Pagou names team for AFCON qualifiers

Cameroon head coach David Pagou has announced his squad for the September–October 2026 international window, with several notable names missing from the list.

Following the continued exclusion of André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, another prominent figure has now been left out, with Nouhou Tolo among the major absentees.

The Seattle Sounders left-back, who had taken over the captain’s armband following the exclusion of Onana and Aboubakar, was not included in Pagou’s squad for Cameroon’s upcoming fixtures against Comoros, Congo and Ivory Coast.

Tolo’s omission is one of the biggest talking points from the squad announced on Monday, September 7, as the Indomitable Lions prepare for a busy international window.

Other notable players missing from Pagou’s selection include Enzo Ebosse, Dina Ebimbe and Aaron Bibout.

The absences mean the quartet will play no part in Cameroon’s opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Cameroon will begin their qualification campaign against Comoros on September 24 at the Roumde Adjia Stadium before travelling to Brazzaville to face Congo on September 29.

The Indomitable Lions will then round off the international window with a friendly against Ivory Coast on October 3.

Pagou will therefore have to work with a squad featuring several changes as Cameroon begin their pursuit of a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

With some established names missing, the upcoming fixtures will provide an opportunity for other players to step up and stake their claim for regular places in the national team.

Cameroon will be expected to make a positive start against Comoros before facing Congo five days later, while the friendly against Ivory Coast will offer Pagou another opportunity to assess his options ahead of the remainder of the qualifying campaign.