The release of the Cameroon U23 Lions' squad list by coach Guy Feutchine for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has sparked considerable debate. The composition of the list, predominantly featuring foreign-based players, is at the center of controversy within Cameroonian football circles.
Concerns have been raised regarding the absence of young talents from the local league and youth selections, particularly former U17 Lions players. Web editor Pradel Nanga Nanga voiced his disagreement, emphasizing that certain players who excelled with the U17s and are currently performing well in their respective clubs deserve a place in the squad.
Nanga Nanga stated, "We are aware that we cannot call everyone, and that we want to start preserving certain bi-nationals. But we must not forget that there are young people who have loyally served Cameroon since the U17s and who are currently performing well in their various clubs. It is out of the question that we do not find them either in the U23s or in the A team. They must be supervised and trusted, and they, in turn, should transmit the 'Hemlè' to the newcomers".
The observer insists on the need to monitor and supervise these young players in order to prepare for the future of the national team. He believes that these locally trained young players play a crucial role in transmitting the identity and spirit of the Indomitable Lions. The absence of certain players, such as Angel Yondjo, reignites the debate on the management and monitoring of talents from Cameroonian academies.
Guy Feutchine has unveiled a preliminary list of 30 players for a training camp in Spain, scheduled from March 23 to 31, 2026, in preparation for the 2027 U23 AFCON qualifiers. The current list does not include any players from the local league, further fueling the controversy. Local sources suggest that a few local players may still be integrated into the final list. The U23 team is expected to face Deportivo Alavés and Athletic Bilbao in friendly matches during their training camp in Spain.
