Samuel Eto’o and Geremi Njitap at odds amid ongoing dispute
A deepening rift between Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), and former national teammate Geremi Njitap has captured attention in Cameroonian football circles. The disagreement, which originated during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, shows no signs of resolution.
The fallout began when Eto’o reportedly barred Njitap from entering the national team dressing room during the tournament.
This incident ignited tensions between the two former stars, who were once key figures in Cameroon’s football success.
However, the dispute has since escalated, with broader implications for the sport’s governance in the country.
Local outlets such as Actu Cameroun report that Fecafoot, under Eto’o’s leadership, is now seeking to revoke the recognition of the National Union of Footballers of Cameroon (SYNAFOC), an organization led by Njitap.
The move aims to exclude SYNAFOC from the Federation’s General Assembly, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.
Sources close to the matter suggest that a proposal to withdraw SYNAFOC’s approval will be tabled at Fecafoot’s General Assembly on November 16.
According to Cfoot, the request for this revocation was officially submitted by the President of the Southern Regional Football League.
The move could pave the way for SYNAFOC to be replaced by the National Association of Cameroonian Footballers (ANFC), led by Lucien Mettomo, another former player.
This proposed change would further strain relations between Eto’o and Njitap, highlighting the broader power struggle within Cameroonian football administration.
As president of Fecafoot, Eto’o has faced both praise and criticism for his leadership style. While he remains an iconic figure in African football, his tenure has not been without controversy.
This latest clash adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding his presidency and his approach to resolving conflicts within the footballing community.
The November 16 meeting is expected to be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the structure of player representation in Cameroon.
Whether the rift between Eto’o and Njitap can be healed remains uncertain, but the ongoing dispute underscores the challenges of balancing personal history with professional governance in football.
Observers and fans alike will watch closely to see how this situation unfolds, as it carries significant implications for the future of the sport in Cameroon.
