Head coach David Pagou has named 28 Lions to face Namibia, without goalkeeper André Onana, who plays for Trabzonspor. The Cameroonian press is questioning the criteria used.
For the double-header against Namibia on 11 and 15 November 2026 in the CAN 2027 qualifiers, Cameroon head coach David Pagou has unveiled a 28-man squad. André Onana, the Trabzonspor goalkeeper, is not in it, reports Haber61.
In his place, the head coach has called up four goalkeepers: Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Montpellier), Blondy Nna Noukeu (US Boulogne), Emile Lako Wendeu (Marumo Gallants) and Edouard Sombang (Colombe Sportive). The choice has sparked a reaction in Cameroon, where the local press is taking aim at the Lions staff’s selection criteria.
Criteria under scrutiny
According to Haber61, the Cameroonian press is criticising the parameters David Pagou used to put his group together. Performance, behaviour, motivation and individual interviews with the players are all mentioned. According to the critics, these factors could explain Onana’s absence as well as that of other players.
Because the Trabzonspor shot-stopper is not the only one to miss out on this squad. Nouhou Tolo, Harold Moukoudi and Jackson Tchatchoua are also among the absentees fuelling the debate, again according to Haber61. No specific reason for their non-selection has been given.
Pagou banks on commitment
The head coach stressed the mindset he expects from his troops. In comments reported by Actucameroun, David Pagou said: “Everyone is concerned. Once you have a Cameroonian passport, you are concerned by the national team.”
The message is aimed in particular at dual nationals, who may play for other nations. “I want you to be ambitious and to show that you really want to play for the national team. It will happen,” he added. And he cited the example of midfielder Ryan Fosso: “Ryan Fosso, for example, joined the camp and could have played for Switzerland, but he stated with authority that Cameroon is his country.”
The Lions top Group G
Beyond the controversy, the sporting stakes remain. The Lions top Group G with 4 points, after a 3-1 win over the Comoros in Garoua and a 1-1 draw in Congo in Brazzaville, according to Cameroun24. The Comoros and Namibia have 3 points each.
The two matches against Namibia, on 11 November in Yaoundé and on 15 November away, both at 18:00, correspond to matchdays 3 and 4 of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.