Young Cameroon squad selections spark fierce backlash against David Pagou

Cameroon manager David Pagou is facing a wave of criticism after naming a 26-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers and a friendly against Cote d’Ivoire.

Pagou announced his selection on Monday for Cameroon’s matches against Comoros and Congo on 24 and 29 September respectively, followed by the friendly with Cote d’Ivoire on 3 October.

The squad continues the overhaul started during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with five new players included. The newcomers have an average age of about 23 and are left-back Lilian Njoh, 24, of Servette; striker Bil Nsongo, 21, of La Coruna; winger Harouna Djibirin, 19, of Angers; defensive midfielder Roy Nyengue, 24, of ES Zarzis; and goalkeeper Merlin Lako, 27, of Marumo Gallants.

However, the decision to leave out several established players has caused anger in Cameroon. Devis Epassy, Nouhou Tolo – who captained the side at the Africa Cup of Nations – Frank Magri, Christian Bassogog, Flavien Boyomo, Christopher Wooh, Gerzino Nyamsi, Eric-Junior Dina-Ebimbe, Jean Onana, Olivier Kemen and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou were all omitted.

Their absence comes on top of the continued exclusion of former key players Vincent Aboubakar and Andre Onana, who had already been left out before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Carlos Baleba is unavailable because of injury, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has retired from international football.

The scale of the changes has not been well received by the Cameroonian public, particularly because many supporters consider parts of the new generation to be inexperienced.

The criticism has focused on players such as Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Blondy Nna Noukeu and Samuel Kotto, who play in the French second tier. Darlin Yongwa, Jackson Tchatchoua, Kevin Keben and Junior Tchamadeu are in England’s second tier, while Emmanuel Moungam plays in Switzerland’s second division. Duplex Tchamba Bangou is with a club in the Brasileirao.

Supporters have also questioned the omission of players who are involved with clubs competing in European competition. Harold Moukoudi and Yvan Dibango are among those mentioned, alongside Enzo Ebosse of Udinese, Dina Ebimbe of Schalke 04 and Nathan Ngoumou of Nice.

Cameroon football outlet La Taniere237 condemned the selections in sarcastic terms.

“It is apparently better to play in Lille’s reserve team, in Brazil, Tunisia or the Swedish second division to be considered. We are going mad,” it said.

The comment was an indirect reference to Angel Yondjo, who joined Lille’s reserve side during the summer, as well as Bangou, Nyengue, Monyebe and Moungam.

Pagou’s choices have also prompted comparisons with former Cameroon manager Marc Brys, who left many supporters with an unfavourable impression during his time in charge. La Taniere237, one of the most vocal critics, said the manager from Buea was doing “worse” than his predecessor.

The outlet accused Pagou of using Cameroon’s generally promising Africa Cup of Nations campaign as an opportunity to carry out experiments with the national team.

With two competitive fixtures and a friendly approaching, Pagou’s selection policy could now prove costly. The backlash is expected to intensify if the results do not meet expectations, potentially weakening his position as manager of the Indomitable Lions.