Central African Coach Raoul Savoy Criticizes Quentin Ngakoutou’s Withdrawal
Tensions have emerged between Quentin Ngakoutou and the Central African Republic national team, after the Arles-Avignon forward declined a recent call-up for a friendly against Morocco (which ended in a 0–4 defeat).
Ngakoutou, a dual national with ties to both France and the Central African Republic, initially accepted the invitation but later pulled out, saying he needed more time to make a final decision about his international future.
His actions, however, did not sit well with Raoul Savoy, the newly appointed head coach of the Fauves du Bas-Oubangui.
“A dual national who first accepts selection, then declines it as if we were at the vegetable market? I cannot accept it,” Savoy told centrafriquefootball.cf, as quoted by Afrik-Foot.
The coach emphasized the importance of respecting national team call-ups, even for non-competitive matches:
“Representing your country, even for a friendly match, must be a priority and respected as such.”
Ngakoutou’s decision has added to ongoing debates in African football circles about the commitment of dual-nationality players, particularly when balancing heritage with professional ambitions.
