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Samuel Eto’o faces allegations of excluding Vincent Aboubakar from Cameroon’s AFCON squad to protect his international scoring record, sparking chaos.
Samuel Eto’o reportedly is trying to gatekeep his scoring record away from Aboubakar (X)
How petty can someone be? Well… Samuel Eto’o may have just delivered a masterclass in football-politics pettiness — the kind that proves power can make even legends play dirty to protect their legacy.
Following their exit from the 2026 FIFA WC Qualifiers, Cameroon’s AFCON buildup has descended into absolute chaos amid explosive allegations that Eto’o, now president of the Cameroon FA, meddled in squad selections for reasons that go well beyond footballing merit.
According to SunSport, the former striker is accused of trying to block Vincent Aboubakar from joining the national squad — supposedly because the forward is creeping uncomfortably close to breaking Eto’o’s long-standing national scoring record.
Eto’o sits atop Cameroon’s all-time charts with 56 goals in 118 caps. Aboubakar? He’s on 45 goals in 117 games and climbing fast.
‘Apprehension’ around squad selection
Aboubakar’s shock omission didn’t go unnoticed. Sources claim Eto’o played a key role in the decision, part of a power struggle that boiled over last week when he dismissed coach Marc Brys, replacing him with David Pagou.
Eto’o cited “insubordination” and claims Brys was “inciting players” against the federation.
But the fallout didn’t end there. Newly installed interim boss Pagou also omitted on-loan Manchester United keeper Andre Onana, plunging Cameroon into deeper turmoil just weeks before AFCON.
Eto’o: A controversial leader
All this comes as Eto’o was re-elected unopposed as Fecafoot president, securing 85 out of 85 votes during a General Assembly that the country’s Education Ministry tried — unsuccessfully — to halt.
Demonstrators gathered outside, accusing the former Chelsea and Barcelona star of misconduct and mismanaging the federation.
Criticism of his leadership has been mounting for months, especially after the Indomitable Lions failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Now, with fresh accusations swirling and top players sidelined, Cameroon’s AFCON hopes hang in the balance.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 11, 2025, 15:25 IST
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