Sports

Ex-Lions defender makes strong case for return of Onana, Aboubakar….

by Beng Emmanuel Kum
15 Jan 2026 11:52
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The former emblematic defender of the men’s senior national football team of Cameroon, Aurelien Chedjou, has made a strong case for the return of Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar to the national team.
The duo, it should be recalled, were notably left out from the squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, ongoing in Morocco.

Many believed the players were snubbed by the head coach of the team David Pagou as part of plans of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, president Samuel Eto'o, to overhaul the national team.

The players have reportedly been labelled as the team’s banned players. Others, who are part of the group include Martin Hongla, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Micheal Ngadeu Ngadui, and Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu.

Speaking to Canal + specialised daily AFCON programme, Soire de CAN, Chedjou, who has earned close to 49 caps of the national team between 2009-2016, opened up on the return of the banned players.

According to Chedjou, players like Onana and Aboubakar still have something to offer to the Cameroon national team line up. But he also stressed that the coach has the final decision.

“For me, Onana, Aboubakar, they still have a place in the national team. After that, it is up to the coach to decide” Chedjou said during the program.

In the absence of Onana and Aboubakar, the Cameroon national team failed to reach the semi-final of the AFCON for the first time since 2021.

The Indomitable Lions suffered the setback after losing to host nation, Morocco 2-0 in the semi-final.

The defeat ended the team’s chances of winning their sixth continental crown.

Devis Epassy, who was Cameroon’s goalkeeper throughout the tournament leaked five goals, while forwards Christian Kofane and Karl Etta Eyong scored a combined three goals. The other goal came from defender Junior Tchamadeu.

Anguissa “key for the team”

Speaking specifically on the case of Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, who was ruled out of the AFCON due to injury, Chedjou said he strongly believes the Napoli midfielder remained a key player for the team.

“That is the question you need to ask the coach. Yes, there is a group that has been formed, but I also remind you that there is Zambo [Anguissa], who was not among the banned players but who still needs to join,” Chedjou added.

Anguissa missed out of the AFCON after taking part in the belated 2021 and 2023 editions where the team finished third and crashed out in the round of 16 respectively.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3672 of Tuesday January 13, 2026