Guinea coach Paulo Duarte has named Cameroon among his favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, expressing hope that the Indomitable Lions lift the trophy to honour the work of FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o.
“I hope Cameroon wins the Africa Cup of Nations to reward Samuel Eto’o… If there were more leaders like him, African soccer would be at the top of the world… Samuel Eto’o deserves better results than he currently has, because he demands the maximum from his entire organisation and from everyone, always thinking about how to make his country win. Football should look to him as a benchmark in terms of leadership, professionalism, and knowledge,” Duarte told reporters.
Duarte, who has extensive experience with African national teams including Burkina Faso, Togo, and now Guinea, highlighted Eto’o’s qualities as exemplary.
Speaking from afar, he emphasised the importance of strong leadership in African football.
“We need people like him: direct and forthright in their decision-making, patriotic, demanding, who know the reality of the dressing room and make difficult choices, always in the interests of the country and professionalism,” Duarte added.
For Duarte, Cameroon’s chances at AFCON 2025 are intertwined with Eto’o’s vision, making the tournament a potential showcase of both talent and leadership on the continent.
