The scene unfolded at the Military Stadium in Yaoundé. André Onana, goalkeeper of the Indomitable Lions, allegedly pointedly avoided greeting Roger Milla, a legend of Cameroonian football. This gesture, captured on video, quickly ignited social media and the media, dividing public opinion.
Some see it as a blatant lack of respect towards an iconic figure in Cameroonian football. Others, on the contrary, defend the player's freedom and denounce a witch hunt. Journalist and teacher Cyrille Châtelain Ewolo took a stand in favor of André Onana during the Regard sur la cité program on Dunamis FM on March 25, 2026: "André Onana is not obliged to greet Roger Milla... I am with André Onana 100%... Even if it is admitted that there is a problem between André Onana and Eto'o, who should be the certified mediator if not Roger Milla? But he already has a bias," he said.
This controversy comes in a context of persistent tensions within Cameroonian football. Relations between players, elders and governing bodies are sometimes strained, and this incident is an illustration. Jacques Marcel Itiga Itiga, head of communication for Synafoc, denounced the "variable-geometry indignation," pointing out that some of those who criticize Onana had in the past applauded similar behavior by other personalities, notably Samuel Eto'o.
Beyond the question of respect for elders, this controversy reveals the deep divisions that undermine Cameroonian football. Power struggles and score-settling sometimes seem to take precedence over sporting ethics.
In September 2024, Roger Milla had already criticized André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar for their lack of position in the conflict between the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and the Ministry of Sports. Milla had notably disapproved of Onana's comments stating that coach Marc Brys was their hierarchical superior.
André Onana, currently on loan to Turkish club Trabzonspor, once again finds himself at the center of a controversy that goes far beyond the sporting framework. While waiting for a possible reaction from the goalkeeper, the debate continues to animate social networks and the media. The incident highlights the issues of power and respectability that run through Cameroonian football.
