I’ve not retired – Onana open to Cameroon return after long absence

Andre Onana’s international future remains hanging in the balance, with the Cameroon goalkeeper admitting that his return to the Indomitable Lions will depend entirely on the judgement of head coach David Pagou, despite insisting he is still fully available for selection.

The experienced shot-stopper has been conspicuously absent from recent national team squads, missing the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as well as the FIFA Series in Australia. His omission has fuelled widespread debate among fans and pundits over whether his international career is quietly drifting toward an uncertain phase.

Onana, however, has been quick to clarify that there is no official retirement from international duty and no breakdown in his commitment to the national team. While he has previously hinted at tensions away from the public eye, he has firmly stated that his absence is not due to any withdrawal from Cameroon duty.

What remains unresolved is his relationship with the current coaching setup and selection decisions, with Onana making it clear that the final call lies with the manager.

“The national team is for all Cameroonians and I haven’t retired. But if I’m not called up, it simply means I’m not up to standard. The day Coach Pagou considers me good enough, I’ll be called up and we’ll see. For the moment, we have Epassy, who is good. We have Simon Ngapandouetnbu and other new players”

Despite the calm tone of his remarks, the message underscores a complicated situation: Onana remains available, but not currently part of the project. His comments also acknowledge the growing competition in goal, with the likes of Epassy and Simon Ngapandouetnbu stepping into the spotlight and offering Cameroon alternative options between the posts.

The Manchester United goalkeeper’s stance appears to strike a balance between respect for the current squad and quiet frustration at his exclusion. By openly deferring to David Pagou, Onana has effectively placed the responsibility for his return in the hands of the coach, while simultaneously reaffirming his readiness should the opportunity arise again.

For now, Cameroon’s goalkeeping hierarchy seems settled without him—but Onana’s words leave the door firmly open. The only question is whether Coach Pagou will decide to walk back through it.