Cameroon coach Ribogert Song finally given his marching orders

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FOOTBALL Cameroon coach Ribogert Song finally given his marching orders

Joel Omotto 22:20 - 28.02.2024

Cameroon legend Rigobert Song has been relieved of his duties as the Indomitable Lions coach following an underwhelming two-year reign.

Cameroon has finally confirmed the departure of coach Rigobert Song who was widely expected to exit at the end of his contract this month.

FECAFOOT boss Samuel Eto’o confirmed Song’s departure on Wednesday, saying he did not achieve the objectives of the team, more specifically the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where Cameroon struggled to get out of their group before being eliminated at the Round of 16 by Nigeria.

"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.

"Song brought a lot to this team. Now we have to think about the future,” Eto’o added of Song, who won just six of his 23 matches in charge.

Former Indomitable Lions captain Song oversaw a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup before struggling in the qualifying phase of AFCON 2023 and then their poor showing at the tournament.

It has been reported that Eto’o will not have a hand in the selection of Song’s successor with Cameroon President Paul Biya having the final say.

According to Juene Afrique, President Biya will decide who becomes Cameroon’s national team coach after accusations leveled towards Eto’o over alleged meddling into the affairs of the national team such as tactics and selection.

Eto’o has been under fire since the Indomitable Lions' poor performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast where they sneaked into the Round of 16 before they were eliminated by Nigeria.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker even offered to resign but his executive turned down the request but even after staying, it seems his powers have dwindled amid a revolt within the country’s football fraternity.