AFCON shock: Cameroon drop Andre Onana as chaos grows after Eto’o appoints new coach

Cameroon have sent shockwaves through African football after announcing their AFCON squad without star goalkeeper Andre Onana, while simultaneously appointing a new head coach only weeks before the tournament begins.

In a chaotic turn of events, the federation confirmed that David Pagou, a 56-year-old coach with domestic experience since 2019, has taken charge of the national team. His appointment comes at a moment when preparations for the competition should be in their final stage — not reshuffled overnight.

The biggest headline, however, is the omission of Onana, who played a key role in Cameroon’s qualifying campaign and remains one of the team’s most recognisable names. The Manchester United goalkeeper, currently on loan in Turkey, has won 53 caps and was expected to be a central figure at the tournament.

Instead, he has been left off the list entirely, a decision that stunned fans and raised immediate questions about internal disagreements and the influence of federation president Samuel Eto’o.

Alongside Bryan Mbeumo, Carlos Baleba and Frank Anguissa, Onana was among Cameroon’s top talents. With him out, the squad heads to Morocco surrounded by uncertainty and pessimism.

Eto’o under scrutiny as turbulence grows

Eto’o, a legendary former striker for Barcelona, Inter, Chelsea and Everton, became president of the Cameroon FA four years ago. His mandate has been marked by controversy, and the latest developments — a last-minute coaching change and the exclusion of a star player — have only intensified criticism.

Supporters and local media are openly questioning how much authority the newly appointed coach actually had in selecting the squad, and how much influence Eto’o exercised behind the scenes.

Despite the abundance of talent available, Cameroon enter AFCON amid deep instability. What the team can produce under these conditions remains uncertain — but the trajectory heading into the tournament is undeniably troubled.