In the wake of Cameroon’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the executive committee of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) has decided not to renew the contract of Head Coach Rigobert Song, formally ending his nearly two-year tenure.
Song, a former captain of the Indomitable Lions, took charge of the national team in February 2022.
However, the team’s disappointing performance in the recent CAN held in Côte d’Ivoire, culminating in a round of 16 defeat to Nigeria, has prompted the decision for change.
Former Cameroon international and football legend, Samuel Eto’o, acknowledged Song’s contributions but highlighted the team’s failure to meet its objectives under his leadership. “We have not achieved our objectives, and our executive committee and I do not see ourselves renewing the contract (with Song),” Eto’o told France 24.
The decision to part ways with Song was solidified by a letter from the Ministry of Sports, dated February 28, indicating the non-renewal of his contract.
Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi emphasized the state’s inability to sustain Song’s role financially as the reason behind the decision.
Cameroon’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations at the hands of Nigeria marked a disappointing end to their campaign.
With aspirations to compete at the highest level, the national team’s performance fell short of expectations, prompting calls for change within the coaching staff.
As Cameroon looks ahead to future competitions, the search for a new head coach to lead the Indomitable Lions into the next chapter of their football journey begins.
