Cameroon

19, July 2026

Lions: Christian Bassogog joins newly promoted Saudi Pro League outfit Al Faisaly ⁰

Cameroon international Christian Bassogog has secured a return to the Saudi Pro League after completing a move to newly promoted side Al Faisaly ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The experienced forward joins Al Faisaly as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Al-Okhdood Club, where he spent the previous campaign in Saudi Arabia. His arrival is expected to strengthen the club’s attacking options as they prepare for life back in the top flight.

Bassogog arrives with a wealth of experience gained from playing in several leagues across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Renowned for his blistering pace, direct attacking style, and ability to play across the frontline, the Cameroonian is expected to play a key role in Al Faisaly’s bid to establish themselves in the Saudi Pro League following promotion.

The former Indomitable Lions star has been without a club since parting ways with Al-Okhdood, making him one of the notable free agents on the market before Al-Faisaly moved swiftly to secure his services.

His return to the Saudi top flight also provides the veteran attacker with another opportunity to showcase his qualities in one of Asia’s fastest-growing football competitions, which has attracted an increasing number of international stars in recent years.

Bassogog’s extensive experience at both club and international level is expected to prove invaluable for Al Faisaly, particularly as the club seeks stability and survival in a highly competitive league.

Having represented Cameroon on numerous occasions, including at the Africa Cup of Nations, Bassogog brings leadership, versatility, and a winning mentality to a squad eager to make its mark in the upcoming campaign.

Al-Faisaly will be hoping the addition of the seasoned forward provides the attacking firepower needed to compete against some of Saudi Arabia’s strongest clubs, with Bassogog expected to be one of the team’s key figures throughout the season.

Source: Africa Soccer

28, June 2026

Samuel Eto’o: some critics only find their voice when they have someone to attack ⁰

The relentless attacks on the President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) Samuel Eto’o have begun to resemble a familiar pattern: Cameroonians who seem to derive their relevance not from building something of their own, but from constantly tearing someone else down.

Recent scathing attacks on Samuel Eto’o remind one of those imaginary musicians who only found inspiration while Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Every song they wrote revolved around his captivity. Every performance fed off that single story. Then, the day Mandela walked free, so did their creativity. Without that convenient subject, the music stopped because there was nothing genuine driving it.

That is how some of Eto’o’s loudest critics like Professor Owona Nguini and Dr Laziz Nchare appear. Their public identity has become so intertwined with criticizing him that one wonders what remains if President Samuel Eto’o is removed from the FECAFOOT equation. Would there still be speeches? Headlines? Interviews? Or would the silence be deafening?

As we of the Cameroon Concord Group noted earlier, constructive criticism is healthy and necessary in football business. No leader, be it in politics or in the entertainment industry should be beyond scrutiny.

But there is a profound difference between accountability and obsession. When every development—good or bad is filtered through the lens of attacking one individual, criticism loses credibility and begins to look like a personal campaign.

Cameroonian football deserves debates about infrastructure, youth development, governance, financial transparency, coaching standards and long-term planning. These are the conversations that move the game forward. Endless personal attacks do not.

Those who genuinely care about football should ensure that their legacy is measured by the solutions they offer, not merely by the names they oppose. Criticism should illuminate a path forward, not become a permanent performance sustained by hostility.

In both English and French Cameroun, history remembers builders longer than perpetual critics. That is why Cameroonians speak regularly of the late Samuel Eboa and not Joseph Owona (both men were Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic) If someone’s political or public relevance depends entirely on Samuel Eto’o remaining the target, perhaps the problem is not Samuel Eto’o—it is the absence of an independent vision worth talking about.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

27, June 2026

Football: Onana congratulates Ivory Coast, questions Cameroon’s World Cup exit ⁰

André Onana congratulated Ivory Coast after their qualification for the knockout stage but then appeared to question the reasons behind Cameroon’s failure to reach the same stage.

The Manchester United goalkeeper shared a message on social media celebrating the Elephants’ progress, while also expressing frustration over Cameroon’s elimination from the tournament.

Ivory Coast secured their place in the Round of 32 after defeating Curaçao, with Nicolas Pépé scoring twice to help his team continue their World Cup journey.

Following the result, Onana posted a message congratulating the Ivorian national team but included a remark that quickly attracted attention among supporters.

“Congratulations to the family. It could have been us, but… Ego… Ego… Donatien K’s ego… Anyway, good night.”

The message began as a tribute to Ivory Coast’s achievement but later appeared to suggest that problems beyond football may have contributed to Cameroon’s early exit.

Onana did not directly explain the full meaning behind his comments, but his reference to “ego” was interpreted as a criticism of issues within the Indomitable Lions setup.

The goalkeeper’s statement comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding Cameroon and the challenges affecting the national team. His public reaction has added another layer to the debate over the reasons behind their disappointing World Cup campaign.

While Ivory Coast continue their historic run at the tournament, Cameroon are left reflecting on a missed opportunity after failing to progress.

Onana’s comments have created further discussion around the Indomitable Lions, with many questioning whether internal issues played a role in preventing the team from achieving their ambitions.

The Cameroonian international first acknowledged Ivory Coast’s achievement before turning attention to what he believes may have gone wrong within his own national team.

As the World Cup continues, Ivory Coast will focus on their next challenge in the competition, while Cameroon face questions over what changes may be needed before future international tournaments.

Source: Africa Soccer

25, June 2026

Who is the African World Cup goalscorer older than Ronaldo and Messi? ⁰

Cristiano Ronaldo may have scored at a record sixth Fifa World Cup, but there is one piece of history which still eludes both him and Lionel Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday.

When Ronaldo broke the deadlock against Uzbekistan in Portugal’s second group match he became the second-oldest scorer in the history of the tournament, finding the back of the net at the ripe old age of 41 years and 138 days.

But the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man still sits behind Cameroon great Roger Milla on the all-time list.

Milla first featured at the 1982 finals in Spain but found global fame aged 38 with four goals as the Indomitable Lions reached the quarter-finals at Italia 90 – the first African team to make it that far – marking his efforts with a dance by the corner flag which became his trademark.

Four years later, Milla was back on the scoresheet at USA 94, slotting in from eight yards against Russia. The corner flag wiggle was back again, but Cameroon lost the game 6-1 and went out at the group stage.

However, Ronaldo will no doubt take some pride in the fact he bumped Messi down from third to fourth on the list after the Argentina forward had netted aged 38 years and 363 days in his side’s win over Austria.

Messi could also be overtaken by Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko or Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, both 40, should either bag a goal.

Japan centre-back Yuto Nagamoto is also nine months older than the Argentine legend but is yet to make an appearance.

Or could a veteran goalkeeper turn themselves into an unlikely hero? Six are older than Messi, including Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Cape Verde’s Vozinha and Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera – but no keeper has ever scored in 22 editions of the World Cup stretching back to 1930.

Austria’s Marko Arnautovic, 37, has entered the top 10 at this tournament thanks to his late penalty in the win over Jordan.

But Milla’s record looks set to stand for some time unless, that is, Ronaldo or Messi fancy the idea of playing on home soil when the 2030 World Cup hosts games in both Portugal and Argentina.

You wouldn’t rule it out, right?

The World Cup’s top 10 oldest goalscorers

Roger Milla runs as he celebrates scoring against Russia at the 1994 World Cup by spreading his arms out wide with a wide grin on his face. Milla wears a green Cameroon shirt with a red collar and a bold number nine on the chest, with red shorts. Out of focus in the background a referee in a yellow shirt and black shorts and a Russia player in a white shirt and blue shorts can be seen in front of a crowd — Image caption,Roger Milla played for Cameroon between 1973 and 1994

1. Roger Milla – Cameroon vs Russia (28 June 1994) – 42 years, 39 days

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal vs Uzbekistan (23 June 2026) – 41 years, 138 days

3. Pepe – Portugal vs Switzerland (6 December 2022) – 39 years, 283 days

4. Lionel Messi – Argentina vs Austria (22 June 2026) – 38 years, 363 days

5. Gunnar Gren – Sweden v Germany (24 June 1958) – 37 years, 236 days

6. Cuauhtemoc Blanco – Mexico v France (17 June 2010) – 37 years, 151 days

7. Felipe Baloy – Panama vs England (24 June 2018) – 37 years, 120 days

8. Marko Arnautovic – Austria v Jordan (17 June 2026) – 37 years, 58 days

9. Obdulio Varela – Uruguay vs England (26 June 1954) – 36 years, 279 days

10. Martin Palermo – Argentina vs Greece (22 June 2010) – 36 years, 227 days

Culled from the BBC

23, June 2026

Owona Nguini’s attacks on Samuel Eto’o are becoming increasingly unconvincing ⁰

Professor Mathias Éric Owona Nguini is among the many French Cameroun political elites facing war crime charges in Southern Cameroons. The so-called professor has every right to criticize the leadership of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and its president, Samuel Eto’o.

Frankly speaking, healthy debate is essential in football administration. However, Owona Nguini’s recent attacks increasingly appear driven more by personal and political motives than by a balanced assessment of the realities facing Cameroonian football.

In the aftermath of the Indomitable Lions’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Owona Nguini publicly blamed the Cameroon Football Federation and Eto’o for the disappointment. The Cameroon Football Federation responded by rejecting his accusations and defending its role during the qualification campaign.

What is very disturbing is that the so-called professor’s interventions rarely come with practical solutions. Cameroon football has suffered from administrative conflicts, CPDM government interference, poor infrastructure and institutional rivalries for decades. Reducing every problem to Samuel Eto’o is an oversimplification that ignores the broader challenges that existed long before Eto’o arrived at FECAFOOT and deliberately ignoring the destruction that was caused by Owona Nguini’s late dad Professor Joseph Owona and his gang during their time at the FIFA Normalization Committee.

Many football commentators and observers are beginning to wonder whether Owona Nguini’s constant criticism is linked to a desire to maintain the influence once exercised by his late father within Cameroonian football circles. Whether that perception is fair or not, the so-called professor’s repeated attacks risk looking like a campaign against a man rather than a constructive contribution to football governance in Cameroon.

Samuel Eto’o’s tenure has not been free of controversy. He has faced criticism and disciplinary issues during his time as FECAFOOT president, and those matters deserve scrutiny. But criticism should be accompanied by credible alternatives and concrete proposals.

For those who do not know like Owona Nguini, Cameroon football does not need endless personal battles. It needs ideas, reforms and unity. If Mister Owona Nguini wants to be taken seriously as a stakeholder in the future of the Cameroonian game, he should spend less time launching personal attacks and more time presenting solutions. So far, many of his interventions have generated headlines and controversy, but little in the way of a roadmap for improving Cameroonian football.

The future of the sport in Cameroon will not be built through nostalgia, Owona family legacies or media confrontations. It will be built through competence, accountability and results—standards that should apply equally to President Samuel Eto’o, CPDM Professor Owona Nguini and anyone else seeking influence in the Cameroonian game.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

21, June 2026

Indomitable Lions: Mbouh Mbouh Emile on marking Maradona ⁰

The former Cameroon captain faced off against Maradona, Dunga and Valderrama at the World Cup. Now he is helping develop players in the USA.

Emile Mbouh dribbles the ball against Brazil at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA.

Emile Mbouh may not be a household name, but his story is inextricably intertwined with the history of the FIFA World Cup™. Across two editions of the global showpiece, in 1990 and 1994, the Cameroon midfielder faced off against Diego Maradona, Carlos Valderrama, Romario’s Brazil and Paul Gascoigine’s England.

Mbouh fell in love with football when one of his older brothers took him to watch Cameroon play against Zaire (now Congo DR) in an AFCON qualifier. Until that moment, Mbouh had watched his siblings play in the streets and occasionally joined in, but never thought much of it. Watching Cameroon changed everything.

“I watched the game and felt like I was dreaming,” Mbouh told FIFA in an exclusive interview. “But it was just an occurrence. I didn’t yet dream of becoming a professional football player.”

Born in 1966 in Douala, Mbouh grew up listening to matches on the radio. Television did not reach Cameroon until about 1988. “We would just listen to the journalists commentating the game,” he said. “Visual were in the newspaper. That’s how we knew who was who.”

His brothers were fans of the big players from Brazil, but Mbouh found his idol closer to home. “My favourite was a player from Cameroon: Gregoire M’Bida. It’s because of him I said I wanted to play football. He was No8, so I wore No8 because of him.”

M’Bida was an attacking midfielder with style and grace who represented Cameroon at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™, and was nicknamed Arantes as an ode to Pele. Though creative in his own right, Mbouh did not earn such plaudits for his creative play, instead he became a midfielder known for his ability to shuttle between the penalty areas, a role which allowed him to go up against some of football’s greatest creators.

“I was very technical. I was a box-to-box midfielder, because I was never tired,” Mbouh recalled. “I was just happy to be on the field.”

After playing with his brothers in a local pick-up match, Mbouh was asked to play in a summer tournament for a local side, aged just 15. His performance in the first game of the tournament caught the eye of a scout from professional club Union of Douala. He joined the club and his career accelerated such that five years later he was representing Cameroon at Italia ’90.

Bildnummer: 01649519 Datum: 08.06.1990 Copyright: imago/Colorsport
Diego Armando Maradona (Argentinien, Mitte) gegen Emile Mbouh (Kamerun, re.) - PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxUSAxONLY; Eröffnungsspiel, Argentinien - Kamerun 0:1, Vdia, quer, Zweikampf, Duell, Ball, dribbeln, Dribbling, Dreikampf, Weltmeisterschaft 1990, Nationalmannschaft, Nationalteam, Nationaltrikot, Länderspiel, Gruppe B Mailand Dynamik, Fußball WM Herren Mannschaft Gruppenbild Aktion Personen

Marking Maradona

Cameroon’s first game in Italy was against the reigning world champions Argentina, led by their talisman Diego Maradona. Nobody gave Cameroon a chance and yet they came away from Milan with a famous victory.

“We were in big admiration of Maradona because he was the best player in the world and everybody was talking about him,” Mbouh recalled. “When we qualified for the World Cup and we were drawn against Argentina, everybody said ‘Oh you’re in trouble’.”

Never one to shirk his responsibilities, Mbouh approached the match with his usual mindset: “I just played my game. I always told myself ‘just have fun and play’.”

Cameroon looked to suffocate Maradona, limiting his time on the ball, with Mbouh playing a key role. The 5ft 5in midfielder recalls his coach saying: “As you can go everywhere, you have to always check that he [Maradona] is not by himself.”

“I made it hard for him to play,” said the former Cameroon captain. “The first tackle, I went in on him very hard. Then I realised I was faster than him.” Mbouh used his speed to limit Maradona’s interventions and despite going down to nine men, Cameroon defeated Argentina 1-0.

In the Round of 16, he gave Valderrama similar treatment as a brace from the dancing phenom Roger Milla helped Cameroon advance to a historic quarter-final, where they bowed out to to England on penalties.

Watch the highlights from the match between Argentina and Cameroon played at Giuseppe Meazza, Milan on Tuesday, 08 June 1990.

Football in the USA

Four years later, Mbouh and co were in the USA for the first World Cup on American soil. The tournament did not go Cameroon’s way, as the Indomitable Lions drew once and lost twice, including to eventual winners Brazil, and returned home with just one point.

The disappointing result did not mar the experience for Mbouh, who now lives in the USA and coaches at his own football club. “We were shocked when we saw that a lot of people loved football here,” he recalled. “It showed at the first game and at our practices. We had a lot of Cameroonians and other different nationalities who came to see us play and support us.”

Since permanently relocating to the USA, Mbouh has found the game has improved even more, although he would like to see a greater emphasis on player development.

“People are very big fans of football, but there is a problem with development. The kids are there. The athleticism is there. But at many clubs you don’t see people taking time to develop the players. You see at younger ages coaches screaming at players to win. It should be about having fun and learning the fundamentals.”

Mbouh acknowledges that seeing players leave the game because of poor development is “heartbreaking.” He would like to see kids playing unstructured games, like he did as a child in Cameroon.

“Here in the USA it’s too structured. The kids don’t have the time to go out and play with their friends. Sometimes you need to feel that moment of being free, without any coaching around you. It brings a lot of creativity to your game. That is lacking a lot here.” Still, Mbouh is optimistic about the USA’s chances at their home World Cup. He insisted that playing in front of their own fans would be a source of inspiration. “I’m rooting for them,” he said.

Bildnummer: 00935314 Datum: 24.06.1994 Copyright: imago/Oliver Hardt
Carlos Dunga (hinten, Brasilien) gegen Emile Mbouh (Kamerun); Brasilien - Kamerun 3:0, quer, Zweikampf, Duell, Ball Weltmeisterschaft 1994, Länderspiel, Nationalmannschaft, Nationalteam, Nationaltrikot, Vdia Palo Alto Dynamik, Fußball WM Herren Mannschaft USA Gruppenbild Aktion Personen

African hopes at FIFA World Cup 2026

The former Indomitable Lion is happy to see hard work paying off for African sides at this World Cup. “Looking at the structures that people have put up around Africa, you can see the results. Morocco have a very good program and you can see the youth development.” He was pleased with Cabo Verde and Congo DR’s results and thinks that progress must be emulated by traditional football nations across the continent.

“Most of the countries now in Africa are improving and that’s very good. Countries like my country of Cameroon, and Nigeria, need to wake up and realise no one is going to give them anything for free. You have to fight for everything.”

For Mbouh, the common denominator so far at this World Cup is that the so called “minor countries” are “pushing around some of the big nations.”

Culled from FIFA

13, June 2026

Indomitable Lions: Hervé Renard set to replace David Pagou ⁰

The Cameroonian Football Federation is keen to appoint the French tactician as the new manager of the Indomitable Lions.

The governing body of Cameroonian football, led by Samuel Eto’o, is looking to make changes at the helm of the national team’s coaching staff. Officials are considering replacing David Pagou, who has been in charge since the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

However, the Federation is reportedly targeting Hervé Renard. According to local media, the governing body has already made contact with the 57-year-old French tactician. The aim is to convince Hervé Renard to take charge of the Indomitable Lions for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin next September.

Hervé Renard has experience of African football. He has managed Zambia, Ivory Coast, Angola and Morocco. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Chipolopolo (2012) and the Elephants (2015).

Source: Dailysports

9, June 2026

Football: Bayern Munich eye €50m move for Yann Bisseck ⁰

Germany-Cameroon centre-back Yann Bisseck of Inter is being linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation in Italy.

Data from Transfermarkt lists Bisseck’s current market value at €50.00m and puts the probability of a transfer to Bayern at 29%, underlining that the deal is far from complete but firmly on the radar of the German giants. His contractual situation at Inter is unclear, with no public expiry date recorded, fuelling speculation that the defender’s camp and the Serie A club could face key decisions in the coming months, including the possibility of running down his terms and testing free-agent options further down the line.

Born in Köln on 29 November 2000 and standing at 1.96m, Bisseck is a right-footed centre-back who represents both Germany and Cameroon at nationality level. He wears the No 31 shirt for Inter and has developed a reputation in Serie A for his physical presence and aerial dominance, attributes that align with Bayern’s recent focus on reinforcing their defensive line.

The defender’s recent displays for Inter have helped push his valuation into the top bracket. In his latest outing before this rumour cycle intensified – a Serie A fixture earlier this month in which Inter faced domestic opposition (match details not specified in the data) – Bisseck completed the full 90 minutes, anchoring the back line as Simone Inzaghi’s side maintained their strong defensive record.

Having already experienced top-flight football in Italy with Inter after earlier spells in Germany, a move to Bayern would represent a return to his country of birth and a significant step in his career. If the transfer materialises, it could define Bisseck’s status at the elite level, shaping both his long-term reputation in European football and his potential pathway towards becoming one of the continent’s leading centre-backs.

Source: Africa Soccer

8, June 2026

Football: Union Berlin eye €20m move for Cameroon’s Arthur Avom ⁰

Cameroonian central midfielder Arthur Avom of FC Lorient is being linked with a summer move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin, with the 21-year-old reportedly a €20.00m target for the German club.

The Lorient midfielder, born in Yaoundé on 15 December 2004 and standing at 1.73m, has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most-watched young central midfielders. Data from Transfermarkt lists his market value at €20.00m, a figure that is shaping early discussions around any potential deal.

Union Berlin’s interest comes amid speculation over Avom’s contractual situation at Lorient, with no expiry date publicly recorded. That has fuelled talk that the French club could be vulnerable to offers this summer, or risk edging closer to a scenario in which the player could eventually walk away as a free agent if no extension is agreed.

According to the latest rumour data, the probability of Avom joining Union Berlin currently stands at 21%, underlining that talks are at an exploratory stage rather than an advanced negotiation. Lorient, who compete in Ligue 1, have not publicly disclosed when the midfielder joined the club and there is no confirmation of any release clause.

Avom, a right-footed central midfielder who wears the number 62 shirt, has built his reputation as a modern engine-room player in France’s top flight. In his most recent outing for Lorient – a Ligue 1 fixture earlier this spring in which Lorient faced domestic opposition – he featured in central midfield as his side battled through a tight scoreline, further reinforcing his status as a regular in the matchday squad.

With Union Berlin seeking to refresh their midfield ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign, a move to Germany would represent a significant step in Avom’s career and could prove pivotal in defining his reputation and long-term potential if the transfer does materialise.

Source: Africa Soccer

29, May 2026

Football: Jean Onana set for Besiktas departure ⁰

Cameroon international Jean Onana is unlikely to continue his career with Turkish giants Beşiktaş JK after spending the season on loan with Italian Serie A side Genoa CFC.

The defensive midfielder appears set for another move this summer, with his future expected to lie away from both clubs ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite uncertainty surrounding his next destination, interest in the 26-year-old continues to grow across Europe. Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol FC are reportedly keen on securing the services of the Cameroonian international during the upcoming transfer window.

Reports indicate that Aris Limassol have already initiated moves to bring the midfielder to Cyprus as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. The club is believed to view Onana as an experienced addition capable of adding stability and physicality to their midfield department.

However, negotiations are still at an early stage, and no official agreement has yet been reached between the parties involved.

Jean Onana joined Beşiktaş with high expectations but struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in Turkey, which led to his temporary switch to Genoa in Italy. His time in Serie A also failed to provide long-term clarity over his future, with the Italian side unlikely to activate any permanent deal for the midfielder.

The former Bordeaux and Lens player remains an attractive option on the market due to his experience in several European leagues and his international pedigree with the Cameroon national team.

As the summer transfer window approaches, more clubs could enter the race for the midfielder, although Aris Limassol currently appear to be leading the chase for his signature.

Source: Africa Soccer