Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 preparations have descended into controversy after explosive claims that FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o pressured selectors to exclude captain Vincent Aboubakar from the final squad.
According to The Sun, Eto’o allegedly intervened to prevent the Beşiktaş striker from taking part in the tournament in Morocco—reportedly to safeguard his own long-standing AFCON goal-scoring record.
Eto’o, who holds the all-time tally with 18 goals, is said to be wary of Aboubakar’s rapid rise. The Cameroon captain has been one of Africa’s most prolific forwards in recent years and famously netted eight goals at AFCON 2021, moving to within striking distance of the record.
A fractured relationship behind the scenes?
Aboubakar has long been viewed as the heartbeat of the Indomitable Lions’ attack and a reliable performer on the biggest stages. His omission has therefore stunned fans and analysts, who believe the situation reflects growing internal tensions within Cameroonian football.
FECAFOOT has not issued a formal response to the allegations, but local media and pundits warn that rumours of interference at the top could destabilise the team ahead of a crucial tournament.
Fans divided as crisis overshadows AFCON plans
The saga has ignited fierce debate across the football community. Cameroon, a five-time African champion, is expected to challenge for the title in Morocco — but many supporters fear off-field politics may derail those ambitions before the opening whistle.
The bigger picture: Aboubakar chasing history
Aboubakar stands on the brink of several major milestones:
Six goals away from equalling Eto’o’s AFCON scoring record
One goal short of the all-time single-tournament record after his AFCON 2021 heroics
Among the few active players capable of challenging Eto’o’s status as Cameroon’s all-time top scorer
With his legacy within reach, the timing of his omission has only intensified suspicion and criticism.
As the controversy grows, one thing is clear: Cameroon’s AFCON preparations are now being overshadowed by one of the most dramatic off-field disputes in recent memory.