REVEALED: How Samuel Eto’o masterminded Vincent Aboubakar’s exclusion from Cameroon’s final squad for 2025 AFCON

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) less than three weeks away, Cameroon is facing turbulence off the pitch.

On Monday, December 1, the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) announced the departure of head coach Marc Brys.

David Pagou has been appointed as his successor, taking the reins ahead of the continent’s premier football tournament in Morocco later this month.

Following the confirmation, Pagou announced the final squad for AFCON, but the omission of goalkeeper Andre Onana and veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar has raised eyebrows.

The coach, however, failed to explain the reason behind his decision to leave out the two seasoned players.

However, AfricaSoccer.com has intercepted reports suggesting that FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o played a significant role in Aboubakar’s exclusion, reportedly fearing that the striker could match Eto’o’s record as Cameroon’s all-time top scorer.

Eto’o, who netted 56 goals in 118 appearances, would see Aboubakar—who has 48 goals in 109 games— equal his record if he scores eight goals, if included in the final squad for the tournament.

Onana’s absence is also believed to stem from Eto’o’s disapproval. The Manchester United goalkeeper, currently on loan at Trabzonspor, is reportedly not in Eto’o’s long-term plans for the national team.

Further controversy surrounds Brys’s sacking, with reports indicating that Eto’o did not inform the Sports Ministry before making the decision, despite prior warnings from government officials.

Eto’o, who recently secured reelection as FECAFOOT president, faces mounting criticism over his management style.

As Cameroon prepares for AFCON, the Indomitable Lions will face Gabon, defending champions Ivory Coast, and Mozambique in Group F, with expectations high amid off-field turmoil.