Fresh controversy has erupted within Cameroonian football following reports alleging that football legend Samuel Eto’o played a role in blocking striker Vincent Aboubakar from the national team squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), purportedly to protect his long-standing goal-scoring record for the Indomitable Lions.
The allegations, first reported by The Sun, suggest that Eto’o, who currently serves as president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), influenced the final squad selection to prevent Aboubakar from overtaking his historic international goal tally. While the claims remain unproven, they have ignited intense debate among fans, analysts and former players, reopening long-standing discussions about governance, transparency and personal interests within African football administration.
Vincent Aboubakar, widely regarded as one of Cameroon’s most prolific strikers of the modern era, has scored 45 goals in 117 appearances for the national team. By comparison, Samuel Eto’o, a four-time African Footballer of the Year and one of Africa’s greatest football exports, retired from international football with 56 goals in 118 matches. At 31 years old and still active at club level, Aboubakar is widely viewed as capable of surpassing Eto’o’s record if given continued opportunities with the national side.
According to the report, concerns allegedly arose within FECAFOOT that Aboubakar’s inclusion in the AFCON squad could accelerate his pursuit of the all-time scoring record, potentially eclipsing Eto’o’s legacy. The suggestion that such considerations could influence national team selection has provoked strong reactions, with critics describing the alleged actions as unethical and damaging to the credibility of Cameroonian football.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions from supporters, many of whom expressed disbelief and disappointment at the claims. Some fans accused federation leadership of placing personal legacy above national interest, while others urged caution, stressing that the allegations remain speculative without official confirmation.
Football analysts have also weighed in, noting that Aboubakar’s absence from a major tournament would be difficult to justify purely on sporting grounds, given his experience and proven goal-scoring ability. Several former internationals have called for transparency from FECAFOOT, urging the federation to clarify the technical and medical considerations that informed the squad selection.
Despite the growing controversy, neither Samuel Eto’o nor the Cameroon Football Federation has issued a public statement addressing the allegations. The silence has only intensified speculation, with observers arguing that a clear and timely response could help restore public confidence and prevent further reputational damage.
Samuel Eto’o, who assumed the FECAFOOT presidency in 2021, has been a transformative yet polarising figure in Cameroonian football governance. Supporters credit him with pushing for reforms, enforcing discipline within the football system and elevating Cameroon’s voice within continental and global football circles. Critics, however, have accused him of authoritarian leadership and excessive involvement in technical matters traditionally handled by coaching staff.
This is not the first time Eto’o’s tenure has been accompanied by controversy. His presidency has previously been marked by disputes with coaches, confrontations with referees and disagreements with football administrators. Nevertheless, Eto’o remains a revered figure among many Cameroonians due to his extraordinary playing career, which included Champions League triumphs, league titles across Europe and multiple AFCON victories with the national team.
Vincent Aboubakar, for his part, has been a key figure for Cameroon over the past decade. He captained the team during the 2021 AFCON hosted in Cameroon and finished the tournament as top scorer, playing a central role in their third-place finish. His leadership and consistency have made him a respected figure in the dressing room and among supporters.
The reported omission of such a player from a major tournament squad has therefore raised eyebrows, prompting calls for an independent review of squad selection processes. Football governance experts argue that national team selections must be insulated from administrative influence to preserve fairness, meritocracy and player morale.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the situation highlights broader challenges facing African football administrations, where conflicts of interest and lack of institutional checks can undermine trust. Observers note that as former players transition into administrative roles, clear boundaries must be established to separate legacy preservation from objective decision-making.
Until an official response is issued, the allegations remain unverified. However, the episode has already cast a shadow over Cameroon’s AFCON campaign, shifting focus away from on-field preparation to off-field politics.
As pressure mounts, many stakeholders believe FECAFOOT must address the matter directly, either by refuting the claims with evidence or by providing a transparent explanation of the criteria used in selecting the squad. Failure to do so, analysts warn, could deepen divisions within Cameroonian football and erode confidence in its leadership.
For now, the football world watches closely, awaiting clarity on a controversy that touches on legacy, power and the delicate balance between individual achievement and national ambition.
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