A sensational claim has emerged, accusing Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto’o of manipulating the national team selection to exclude striker Vincent Aboubakar from the upcoming AFCON 2025 squad. The alleged motive is to protect Eto’o’s status as the nation’s all-time top goalscorer, transforming Aboubakar’s shock omission into an international scandal.
The claim hinges on the close proximity of Aboubakar’s national tally to Eto’o’s record. Eto’o leads with 56 goals in 118 appearances. Aboubakar sits second with 45 goals in 117 appearances. The report alleges that Eto’o, recently re-elected to lead FECAFOOT, personally influenced the decision to stop Aboubakar from having the chance to close the gap at the tournament.
This accusation comes amid mounting chaos. Aboubakar’s exclusion, alongside that of star goalkeeper André Onana, follows Eto’o’s recent dismissal of head coach Marc Brys and the promotion of an interim manager. The controversy highlights a fierce power struggle, with the recently sacked Brys releasing a rival AFCON squad list that controversially includes both Aboubakar and Onana.
The Eto’o Aboubakar Goal Record claim has stunned fans, leading to intense scrutiny on FECAFOOT’s leadership just weeks before the tournament begins. The British media outlet that published the claim stated that the Cameroon FA declined to comment. With no official response yet from Eto’o, the scandal continues to overshadow Cameroon’s preparations.
