Paul Biya’s Subtle Warning to Eto’o While Urging Unity in Football Leadership

During his Youth Day speech on Monday, Cameroonian President Paul Biya congratulated the Indomitable Lions for their brilliant qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, his message also contained a subtle warning aimed at Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot).

Biya Praises the Indomitable Lions

The 93-year-old leader praised the national team, its coach Marc Brys, and the technical staff for their efforts. He reaffirmed the government’s support for football development, saying: “I extend my congratulations to our valiant Indomitable Lions and their supervisors. I ask them to move forward. The government, under my authority, will spare no effort.”

Biya did, however, subtly address the ongoing dispute between Fecafoot and the Ministry of Sports on the management of the national team by emphasizing that unity and teamwork are necessary for success.

Biya’s Indirect Message to Eto’o

Without mentioning Eto’o’s name, Biya made a call for responsibility, stating: “The positive momentum we celebrate today will only bring the desired results if harmony and solidarity reign within and around it.”

This remark comes after recent public clashes between Eto’o’s Fecafoot and Minister of Sports Narcisse Mouelle Kombi regarding team management and coaching staff appointments. The latest incident occurred when coach Marc Brys openly criticized Eto’o during the AFCON 2025 draw ceremony.

Possible Government Intervention?

Biya, who has a reputation for making sluggish decisions, made a suggestion that he might step in if the football argument gets out of hand. Both Kombi and Eto'o are cautioned by his statement to choose the good of the country before their own interests.

To guarantee stability and success for the Indomitable Lions, Cameroon's football leadership needs to address its internal problems as the 2025 AFCON draws near.