Cameroon: Explosive editorial alleges leadership crisis in the national team

The Cameroon national team will have to qualify for the 2026 World Cup via the playoffs after finishing runner-up in Group D to Cape Verde but it appears that team chemistry continues to be an ongoing major issue with the Indomitable Lions. A decisive 0-1 September defeat in Cape Verde proved too much for the 5-time Africa Cup of Nations champions to recover from.

This goal from Dailon Rocha Livramento gave Cape Verde a 1-0 win over Cameroon earlier to put them 4 points top of their group with just two games left to play and on the verge of qualifying for their first ever World Cup.

Sensational scenes. pic.twitter.com/do2GFVUfyP

— HLTCO (@HLTCO) September 9, 2025

In an explosive editorial published on CamerounWeb, claims of a divided locker room spinning out of control were made with regards to goalkeeper André Onana. The Trabzonspor goalkeeper was handed the captain’s armband for matches against Mauritius and Angola. The Indomitable Lions defeated Mauritius 2-0 before slumping to an uninspired 0-0 draw with already eliminated Angola to end Group D play at home.

But the larger concern for Cameroonian supporters is the growing tension in the team, where out of contract star Vincent Aboubakar was the captain until the final two matches in October. CamerounWeb alleges that Onana and Aboubakar were among the senior players in a meeting between head coach Marc Brys and experienced players in the team like Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Zambo Anguissa, Christian Bassogog and Eric Choupo-Moting.

Brys was criticized by the senior players for giving the armband to Onana, which led to arguments and insults being exchanged between the goalkeeper and his teammates. The editorial accused Brys of being powerless and silent during the exchange. After leaving the meeting, Onana was accused of reaching out to his contacts in the Cameroonian government which allegedly instructed Brys to keep Onana as captain.

How Cameroon’s unique administration contributes to toxic atmosphere

It must be noted that the national team is administered by both the country’s Ministry of Sports and Physical Education as well as the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), two entities that have been at odds since current FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o took charge. Eto’o and Brys have notably traded blows publicly since the Belgian coach was appointed by the government without approval from Eto’o and FECAFOOT.

Samuel Eto’o président de la fédération et Marc Brys, le nouveau sélectionneur.

C’est chaud entre eux. 🇨🇲😵‍💫 pic.twitter.com/KlmQtLtOhh

— 🏆 Actu Foot Afrique (@ActuFootAfrique) May 28, 2024

Eto’o also previously courted controversy when he quickly dismissed incumbent coach Toni Conceição in favor of friend and fellow national team legend Rigobert Song upon taking power in 2022.

Regardless of the truth of the allegations, it is clear that the tenure of Brys has been marked with internal conflicts and a disjointed administration that has affected the Indomitable Lions’ World Cup qualifying campaign. With only a month to go until the four-team playoff in the African region, where the winner qualifies to the intercontinental playoff, the Indomitable Lions are not in an ideal state to compete at their best.