Cameroon: André Onana, the player Samuel Eto’o’s "worshippers" love to hate

André Onana was on the bench on Sunday for the FA Cup round of 64 tie against Arsenal, with head coach Ruben Amorim opting to start Altay Bayindir. Manchester United's number 2 goalkeeper saved two penalties: first Odegaard's in the second half, then Havertz's in the shoot-out, helping the Red Devils to victory over the Gunners (1-1, 5-4 on penalties).

While Manchester United fans celebrated this (almost) unexpected win online, in Cameroon it was mainly Andre Onana's omission from the starting line-up that brought joy. "Manchester United have their number 1 goalkeeper: Altay Bayindir. Congratulations to the real Manchester United goalkeeper. André Onana's place is under threat," one internet user responded.

"Eglisien"

Far from the enthusiasm he inspires abroad, André Onana has become a target for some fans, notably the "Eglisiens", the name given to a group of pro-Eto’o supporters. Driven by unshakeable loyalty to the former FC Barcelona striker, the critics often adopt a bitter tone, even going as far as wishing Onana an early end to his career. "Until you [Onana, editor's note] go and ask forgiveness from your father [Eto’o, editor's note] who created you, your career will go downhill, " some internet users say.

Read also: Man United-Cameroon: André Onana rewarded for his humanitarian work

This animosity deeply divides Indomitable Lions fans, to the point where some celebrate Onana's setbacks at the expense of national victories. As a result, a goal conceded by the Indomitable Lions' number 24 means more to some Cameroonians than the success of their national team. Yet this rejection is about much more than sport. Supporters loyal to Eto’o see the break with their idol as a betrayal of the mentor André Onana should never have disowned.

Backed early in his career by the Samuel Eto’o Foundation and sent to FC Barcelona's youth academy by his former mentor, the Manchester goalkeeper is now seen by some as an "ingrate". Since the 2022 World Cup, where André Onana abruptly left the Indomitable Lions' camp after a suspension by Fecafoot, relations between the two men have been icy.

Onana hits out

Pro-Eto’o supporters see this split as an unforgivable betrayal, and Onana's name is now synonymous with animosity for a large section of Cameroonians. Some detractors do not stop at criticising his performances on the pitch, either. Some go as far as accusing him of funding a coalition of figures in Cameroonian football to bring down the Fecafoot president, Samuel Eto’o.

Faced with these relentless attacks, André Onana recently voiced his frustration on social media, denouncing a smear campaign orchestrated against him. On his Snapchat account, he posted: "When someone realises they can no longer harm you, they start manipulating those who love you so that they hate you for no reason. A toxic mind (…) They are no longer trying to beat you but to tarnish your reputation. Jealousy always finds roundabout ways to reach its target…" It is anyone's guess who he is alluding to.