AFCON 2023: Manchester United chartered ₦89m private jet to whisk Andre Onana to Cup of Nations

Manchester United reportedly splashed the cash to keep Andre Onana for the Tottenham game.

In a stunning twist of events, Manchester United's costly attempt to ensure Andre Onana's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended in frustration. Despite the Premier League giants spending a whopping $100,000 to charter a private jet for Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper missed his nation's opening match. 

The Athletic reports that Onana, who was absent in Cameroon's draw with Guinea, was flown to Ivory Coast just in time after his Premier League engagement with Tottenham. Yet, in a baffling turn, he was omitted from the lineup.

High Stakes, High Drama

Onana's journey was no smooth affair. After playing in the Premier League draw with Tottenham, his flight was diverted from Yamoussoukro to Abidjan due to fog, adding an unexpected car journey to his already tight schedule. 

Arriving just five hours before kick-off, his exclusion from the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw, sparked controversy and left Onana visibly upset. "If I wasn’t going to play or make the team, then why did I come here on a private jet?” he questioned in a conversation with El Hadji Diouf.

Criticism and Controversy

The drama heightened as Onana faced criticism from none other than former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, accusing him of disrespecting Cameroon with his late arrival. 

Addressing the criticism on Canal TV, Onana said, “I have a lot of things to say, but I won’t say it here because we are in competition. The most important thing is sacred union. We are here to win AFCON 2023."

Emphasising his commitment, Onana added, “I am one of the leaders so I take my responsibilities and that is why I am here. I don’t want people to criticise the youngest. Let people continue to criticise me; I’m used to it. I do what is good for my country."

Onana's future in the tournament hangs in the balance as Cameroon's defeat against Senegal, marked by another high-profile error from him, puts their progression in jeopardy. 

They now face a must-win situation in their final group game against Gambia, leaving Onana and his team under immense pressure. With all the drama unfolding, Onana's return to Manchester could be imminent, adding another layer to this already gripping saga.

Related content