Fresh controversy has engulfed Cameroonian football after FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o was accused of influencing Vincent Aboubakar’s surprise omission from Cameroon’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
A report by The Sun alleges that Eto’o prevented national team selectors from choosing the Beşiktaş striker in order to protect his long-standing AFCON goal-scoring record, as the former Barcelona and Inter Milan star remains the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 18 goals.
Aboubakar, Cameroon’s captain and one of their most reliable top guns at major tournaments, had been widely expected to feature prominently at the upcoming tourney in Morocco.
His absence, however, has sparked fierce debate among supporters, particularly given his superb form at the 2021 AFCON, where he struck eight times to reignite discussions about his potential to surpass Eto’o.
FECAFOOT has yet to comment on the claims, but the reports have intensified scrutiny around the national team setup at a time when the Indomitable Lions are attempting to refocus ahead of the tournament.
Cameroon, who are five-time African champions head into AFCON 2025 with high expectations, though the dispute over squad selection has overshadowed their preparations. Aboubakar has not yet publicly addressed the allegations.
By: Pascal Amoah
