Football - Cameroon: Andre Onana could be lining up another set of revelations

The latent confrontation between André Onana and the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot) could reach a new milestone in the coming days. According to information gathered from several sources close to the player, the Trabzonspor goalkeeper is preparing a major speech on a leading French television channel.

An initiative conceived as a direct response to the threats of disciplinary sanctions brandished internally by the entourage of Samuel Eto'o, president of the Fécafoot. «After André’s statements on TikTok, his critics tried to discredit his words, talking about a simple live. This time, it’s about a long, documented format with factual elements. It will no longer be possible to sweep this away with a wave of the hand," a member of his first circle whispers.

Affaire FIFA WC 2022
At the heart of this future announced "unpacking": the explosive episode of the 2022 World Cup, which had marked the break-up between Samuel Eto'o and André Onana. Officially, the sidelining of the player was based on "disciplinary differences" with the coach at the time, Rigobert Song. In fact, according to several testimonies, the conflict was over tactical instructions considered incompatible with the goalkeeper’s style of play, notably his high positioning and short raise.

Refusing to change his approach, André Onana was reportedly ordered to comply with the staff’s instructions, in a climate already tense due to alleged interference from the federal hierarchy. His exclusion from the group, followed by his hasty departure from Qatar, had revealed deep internal fractures.

Sidelining
Since this episode, the relationship between the player and the federal government has continued to deteriorate. If his punctual return in selection had hinted at a lull, it quickly dissipated. According to those close to her, Onana’s failure to appear for the 2025 African Cup of Nations is a decisive turning point. 

Officially, no detailed explanation has been provided by the Fécafoot or the new technical staff, fueling speculation. Internally, some refer to a "technical choice", while others speak of a political decision aimed at marginalizing a player who has become too critical. 

«It’s a disguised stand-off. We can’t talk about sporting criteria when you dismiss one of the best African goalkeepers of the moment without clear justification",

 says a source introduced in the locker room.

Onana’s recent TikTok live only crystallized these tensions. By denouncing an "individual who uses the Fécafoot to settle accounts," without ever explicitly naming Samuel Eto'o, the guard opened a political front. His accusations about the management of bonuses, notably during the African Cup of Nations, have also revived old suspicions about financial opacity within the body. Even if the federation denies any irregularity, the media impact is real: by exposing publicly these supposed dysfunctions, Onana directly attacks the credibility of current governance.

To punish Onana is to take a risk
In the face of this offensive, the response is being organized. According to our information, the option of a heavy penalty – which could go as far as a prolonged suspension from the selection – was indeed considered at the corridors of  Fécafoot. But internally, voices call for caution, fearing a boomerang effect. The case will be brought before a General Assembly to allow political responsibility for a potentially explosive decision to be diluted. "There is a real hesitation. Sanctioning Onana is taking the risk of turning him into a symbol," says one of the people involved in the case.

In the player’s camp, the strategy now seems assumed: to shift the balance of power on the international media terrain. The upcoming interview is presented as a thorough review of several sensitive issues, ranging from the 2022 World Cup to his personal relationship with Samuel Eto'o, and including behind-the-scenes discussions.