The ongoing conflict between Andre Onana and Cameroon’s football legends continues to persist, with the Manchester United goalkeeper still embroiled in a contentious feud ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the anticipated inclusion of Onana in Cameroon’s squad for the tournament, his discord with former players Samuel Eto’o and Rigobert Song shows no signs of resolution. The origins of this strife can be traced back to his expulsion from Cameroon’s World Cup camp in Qatar last year, leading to strained relations with his national team.
Since his transfer to United from Inter Milan for £47.2 million in the summer, speculation surrounding Onana’s participation in the AFCON has been enveloped in uncertainty. Even United manager Erik ten Hag has been reticent to confirm the goalkeeper’s international duty, adding to doubts about his involvement.
Onana’s challenging beginning to his career in English football has heightened his apprehension about potentially losing his spot to United’s No 2, Altay Bayindir. While Ten Hag has shown loyalty to the former Ajax keeper, Onana is cognizant of the volatility of the football world.
The ongoing discord stems from Onana’s departure from the World Cup under acrimonious circumstances following disagreements with Song and Eto’o. The situation escalated after he was dropped for taking excessive risks during Cameroon’s group opener against Switzerland, resulting in a heated confrontation and subsequent exclusion from the squad.
Accusations of corruption and intimidation have further complicated the matter, with former Cameroon football federation executive, Henri Njalla Quan, alleging Eto’o’s attempt to undermine Onana’s career. However, Eto’o has vehemently denied these claims.
In a surprising turn of events, Onana rescinded his decision to retire from international football in September, making a comeback and participating in pivotal matches that secured Cameroon’s qualification for AFCON. Nevertheless, his strained relationship with Eto’o and Song persists, with no communication exchanged between them for over a year.
Despite the lingering discord, Onana is anticipated to be part of Cameroon’s AFCON squad, with stringent FIFA regulations prohibiting him from refusing or retiring from international football again without facing consequences.
As the dispute between Onana and the Cameroon legends persists, it remains a source of concern as the AFCON approaches. The potential for a resurgence of the feud looms over the tournament, leaving the future of Cameroon’s star goalkeeper in limbo.
In conclusion, the rift between Andre Onana and the Cameroon legends exemplifies the intricate relationships between football personalities and their impact on a player’s international career. As events continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the ongoing discord will affect Onana’s future on the international stage and within the Manchester United team.