By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The recent performance of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon has been a subject of intense debate among supporters and fans since they were brutally eliminated from the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire. Discussions revolving around the team have dominated local gatherings, whether on the pitch or in social settings, leaving many with unanswered questions.
It is disheartening to witness the decline of the Indomitable Lions, who were once the pride of the continent and even the world. The team has now become a mere shadow of its former self, lacking the fighting spirit that was once its emblem.
It is troubling to note that the Lions have been unable to maintain a clean sheet in most of their recent matches. As a result, Cameroon no longer instills fear in other teams when it comes to football, and even if they do, the expectations surrounding the Lions have consistently been below average. Since 2021, the situation surrounding the national selections has been worrisome. The trajectory appears to be on a downward trend, as Cameroon has failed to qualify for various international competitions.
Major tournaments have ended in turmoil for the national football selections across different categories. The U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams, both in the men’s and women’s categories, have either failed to qualify or been eliminated at the group stage. The representatives of Cameroon in continental competitions have suffered a similar fate, prompting many to question the need for a complete overhaul of the football landscape.
Gerald Siad expresses sadness over the current state of affairs and believes it is time to address the situation and find a way forward to revive Cameroon’s football landscape. He emphasizes the need to go back to the drawing board and reassess what is happening. According to him, while countries like Senegal are experiencing success across all categories, Cameroon seems to be stagnant and it is a call for concern.
“I am deeply saddened to witness a remarkable country like Cameroon facing and enduring these challenges. Meanwhile, Senegal is thriving and achieving victories across various categories, while Cameroon has been experiencing consistent losses. It appears that everything has come to a halt. It is imperative to return to the drawing board and thoroughly reassess the factors contributing to this situation,” he expressed.
Football pundit Mohammed criticizes the present FECAFOOT executive, arguing that they have not helped improve the situation. He believes that those in charge of football management in the country should be driven by the spirit of bringing about change through action, rather than mere lip service. Mohammed questions why Cameroon has been eliminated from all international competitions, with qualifying becoming an insurmountable challenge.
“Since the current executive assumed leadership of the country’s football governing body, the trajectory of Cameroonian football has been on a downward slope, leading many of us to question their effectiveness. The prevailing question remains: what exactly is transpiring? Our national team has been eliminated from all international competitions, and it seems that the task of qualifying has become increasingly elusive. It feels as though we are constantly pursuing an unattainable goal,” Mohammed said.
Elias Nsa suggests that a complete overhaul is necessary to address the situation. He advocates for a return to the roots and a focus on youth football as the way forward. Nsa points out that while many countries are actively working to improve their football landscapes, Cameroon appears to be complacent. He urges football stakeholders especially those that have been around sitting on the face to wake up and join the diligent pursuit of success.
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