AFCON 2023: Marseille Forward Francois-Regis Mughe Told He Will Regret Turning Down Call-Up

• Francois-Regis Mughe has rejected the chance to represent Cameroon in AFCON
• The 19-year-old Marseille forward has struggled for game time at the French club
• He reportedly wants to stay and establish himself at his club

Marseille forward Francois-Regis Mughe’s decision to snub a call-up to the Cameroon national team has sparked a massive debate on social media.

Mughe was included in the 27-man squad by Cameroon coach Rigobert Song, but he decided against representing his country “for tactical reasons”.

The 19-year-old has struggled for minutes at his club Marseille and reportedly wants to stay in France and fight for a regular spot under manager Gennaro Gattuso.

According to Transfermarkt, Mughe has made a mere seven appearances for Marseille this season, including two starts.

His decision to snub his nation for club football has led to criticism from sections of fans online, but none has been more scathing than veteran journalist Jean-Michel Larque.

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Larque criticizes Cameroon youngster

In a video shared by @Rothensenflamme on X, formerly Twitter, Larque called out the youngster for his Cameroon snub, claiming Mughe would eventually regret his decision.

"That's not how you earn your place,” he said.

He added: “If there is an epidemic of smallpox, only then you'll play. It shocks me.”

“Little Mughe, the day they don't call him up, he will be the first to go crying to his mother's apron! You have to know what you want in life.”

It is yet to be seen whether Cameroon coach Song will opt for a replacement for Mughe or go to the AFCON with a 26-man squad.

Cameroon’s ‘Group of Death’

Cameroon will need all their superstars if they are to replicate their AFCON success from 2017, as they are pooled in a group considered the “Group of Death” along with Senegal, Guinea and Gambia. Their first game is against Guinea on Monday, January 15.

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The Indomitable Lions are the second most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having won the title five times.

Nigeria stars report to camp

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on how Super Eagles stars arrived at their camp ahead of the AFCON.

Ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles camp has been bubbling, with 17 players, including Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, already present at the Abu Dhabi camp.

The Fulham and Atalanta players are part of Nigeria’s final 25-man squad submitted to CAF to represent the Super Eagles at Africa’s biggest football competition starting on January 13.