FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto'o has reaffirmed the importance of discipline and hard work within the Cameroonian national team, the Indomitable Lions, following recent staff changes in December 2025. He made these remarks during an appearance at Digital B Agency, seeking to clarify his role and vision for the team.
Eto'o aimed to dispel controversies regarding his presence in the Lions' locker room. "I am being criticized that my presence is disturbing in the locker room, which is a false debate," he stated. He described as "aberrant" the fact that some commentators regularly accuse him of undue interference. He reiterated that as FECAFOOT president, it is his duty to defend, protect, and supervise the national team. "I am the first to defend this team... my job is to protect this team, to know and control from start to finish what is happening to better manage, because I have this team in my terms of reference," he insisted.
This justification comes after criticism from some Cameroonians who perceive his presence as a desire to remain the central figure of the team, even after his playing career. Eto'o responded to these criticisms by emphasizing that there is also a majority of Cameroonians who recognize his potential contribution as an experienced advisor. "I don't want to be someone cumbersome. I want to be an elder who has made this journey, who knows the failures and victories and who can be a good advisor for others," he explained.
The former captain of the Indomitable Lions also emphasized that he had learned important lessons from his own career, acknowledging his past mistakes. He wants to pass these lessons on to young players so that they avoid repeating the same mistakes. "I made mistakes when I played, mistakes that I would not want others to make," he said.
In conclusion, Samuel Eto'o insisted on the essential values he wants to see embodied by the national team: "discipline – work – discipline." These principles, according to him, are crucial for the future success of the Indomitable Lions and reflect the values he aspires to promote in Cameroonian society.
