The President of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto'o, stated that although the Indomitable Lions did not win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), they succeeded in restoring pride to the Cameroonian people.
Eto'o made these remarks during Digital B Mentoring, an event organized by Digital B Agency and hosted by journalist Bruno Bidjang. He spoke about Cameroon's journey in the recent 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by the host country. Eto'o emphasized that the team and its staff were incredible throughout the tournament.
"We didn't perform a miracle in ten days to have the team we had during the Africa Cup of Nations," Eto'o said. "We didn't win the big trophy, but we won the trophy that all Cameroonians wanted." He added that even those who criticize his work were proud of the national team.
Eto'o also praised the coach, David Pagou, for his hard work and dedication, despite the difficulties he faced after his appointment. He expressed hope that Cameroonian leaders will recognize the talent and competence of Cameroonians and offer them opportunities to express themselves. Notably, Eto'o implied that Pagou had been assigned to Salapoumbé, a remote locality in Cameroon, after his appointment, before finally being confirmed in his post.
Cameroon was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2025 AFCON by Morocco, the host country, after defeating South Africa in the round of 16. The competition took place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Despite the defeat, Eto'o believes that the team managed to revive national pride and showcase the potential of Cameroonian talents.
