Andre Onana: Cameroon Journalist Explains Why Man U Star Will Get Benched vs Nigeria Amid Eto’o Rift

• Andre Onana might not be in goal when Cameroon take on Nigeria in an AFCON 2023 Round of 16 fixture
• A veteran Cameroonian journalist has uncovered the problems between the goalkeeper and the country's FA
• Onana has managed to feature in just one game at the ongoing continental showpiece

A Cameroonian journalist, Adam Poumie, has shared an insight into the relationship between goalkeeper Andre Onana and Samuel Eto'o, who is the president of the country's Football Association (FECAFOOT).

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Onana left the team's camp abruptly following a clash with the head coach Rigobert Song.

The goalkeeper was further suspended by the Cameroon FA, headed by Samuel Eto'o, amid reports that the legend was also furious.

Last September, the Manchester United shot-stopper confirmed his return to the national team fold and was in goal in Cameroon's 3-0 win over Burundi.

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Onana was eventually called up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after months of doubt over whether he would be available for the tournament.

He missed Cameroon's first game against Guinea after weather conditions forced him to change travel plans and fly into Abidjan rather than Yamoussoukro.

Fabrice Ondoa had a decent performance in their 1-1 draw with Syli National, but Onana was restored to the starting XI in their second game, where he conceded three goals in their 3-1 loss to Senegal.

Coach Rigobert Song left the 27-year-old out of their match against the Gambia as they won 3-2 to set up a Round of 16 clash with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Journalist Poumie hinted that Fabrice Ondoa would likely be in goal against the Victor Osimhen-led attack. Poumie told Sports Brief:

"I'm not sure Onana will play because the goalkeeper has a lingering problem with the leadership of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT)."

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"The coach will likely make Ondoa to continue to play. You know, any match involving Nigeria and Cameroon is always tough.

"All Cameroonians expect is for the Indomitable Lions to win."

The veteran sports writer also shared an insight into the major problem between the goalkeeper and Samuel Eto'o.

He added:

"I think when you have two leaders in a place, there could be problems. Onana is a leader on the pitch and the president is the leader of the federation.

"Sometimes it is very hard to collaborate and work together.

"But, they seem to have solved the matter because after the game against Gambia, the whole team sat together, poured out their minds, and I believe they have settled."

How Nigeria can defeat Cameroon

Sports Brief earlier reported that the lead-up to the pulsating Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon continues to herald the continent’s footballing scenes.

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These West African powerhouses, with a combined total of eight AFCON titles, are gearing up for another chapter in one of the tournament's most historic rivalries, which has its roots dating back to the 1960s.

Jose Peseiro’s side also must play to their strength, which lies in the quick transition abilities they possess.