Cameroonian football faces fresh turmoil as Indomitable Lions camp grows restless

Cameroon’s senior national team is grappling with rising tensions amid growing discontent from players towards the country’s football federation (FECAFOOT) and its president, Samuel Eto’o.

The unease has been fuelled by the exclusion of Joachim Manunga, the assistant to head coach Marc Brys, whose absence has created friction inside the squad.

The disquiet comes in the wake of the Indomitable Lions’ recent defeat against Cape Verde, which has already placed the team under heavy scrutiny.

The situation was further complicated when Cameroon’s Minister of Sports, Dr. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, publicly expressed his intention for Manunga to remain alongside Brys for the national team’s upcoming qualifiers.

Despite this ministerial directive, FECAFOOT chose not to formally register the assistant coach, effectively sidelining him and deepening the sense of unease within the camp.

This latest dispute has added fuel to what many see as a broader governance crisis within Cameroonian football. Critics argue that the federation’s decision undermines efforts to foster stability and continuity within the technical team. For players, the absence of Manunga appears to have heightened frustration at a time when unity and focus are most urgently needed.

With World Cup qualification matches on the horizon, the fallout threatens to affect performances on the pitch. Supporters, already disheartened by the recent defeat, fear that continued internal strife could derail the Indomitable Lions’ campaign and compromise their hopes of reaching the finals.

The controversy also underscores the growing strain between Cameroon’s Ministry of Sports and FECAFOOT. While the government has sought to assert its role in shaping the national team’s technical staff, the federation has resisted external influence, insisting on its autonomy in footballing matters. This tug of war risks further destabilising an already fragile environment.

The Indomitable Lions, long regarded as a symbol of national pride, now find themselves at a crossroads. For many observers, the pressing question is whether the team can overcome these internal divisions and regain the unity required to compete at the highest level.

For Eto’o and the FECAFOOT leadership, the criticism is mounting. The handling of the Manunga affair is being seen not only as a slight against the Sports Ministry but also as a misstep that has shaken the confidence of both players and supporters.

Unless resolved swiftly, the dispute threatens to overshadow preparations and deepen the crisis of governance that has dogged Cameroonian football in recent years.

As the Indomitable Lions prepare for their next fixtures, the balance between federation control, ministerial influence, and the morale of the squad will prove critical.

For now, the team faces the daunting task of setting aside off-field distractions and focusing on the results that their passionate fan base demands.