Cameroon: David Pagou defends his selection criteria

12.11.26 14:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon

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Namibia

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Indomitable Lions head coach David Pagou explained the criteria that guided his choices for the two matches against Namibia, scheduled for November 12 and 16, 2026, as part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He highlighted the players' sporting performances, state of mind and motivation, while reaffirming his desire to rejuvenate the squad.

Presented on Monday, October 26, at the headquarters of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), the list of 28 selected players features several new faces. The coach intends in particular to give young talents a chance and create a new dynamic within the group.

Performance and commitment at the heart of the choices

Asked about his selection criteria, David Pagou stressed the need to assess players before calling them up.

“To select a player, we talk to him, we look at his performances, we look at his state of mind, his motivation to join the Indomitable Lions and, above all, his motivation to give his all for the shirt,” he explained.

The coach believes that selection cannot be based solely on a player's reputation. He says he takes into account their performances, but also their availability and willingness to defend the national colours.

“If we don't select a player on the basis of his performances, what other criterion can we use?” he also said, in response to questions about the importance given to performances at club level.

Room for young players

David Pagou also reaffirmed his desire to gradually renew the squad.

“The policy of rejuvenation goes without saying,” he said, while acknowledging that experienced players continue to put in good performances.

Among the new call-ups are Geovanni Vianney, a FC Copenhagen striker, and Ivan Jordan Nana, a 19-year-old midfielder and captain of the Cameroon U20 team. The latter recently helped Cameroon win the UNIFFAC U20 tournament.

The coach stands by this opening to young players, believing it can aid their development and help renew the group.

Nouhou Tolo and Christian Kofane: different situations

David Pagou also provided details about some absences. Regarding Nouhou Tolo, the former captain of the Indomitable Lions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he explained that he wanted to discover another profile in his position, while praising the defender's qualities.

Christian Kofane's case is different. The Bayer Leverkusen striker was not selected because of his physical condition. According to the coach, new medical examinations were necessary to assess the progress of his injury and determine the next steps in his treatment.

Several other absences were not explained in detail during the press conference.

Two important matches against Namibia

Cameroon will approach this two-match tie with the aim of consolidating its position in Group G of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. After two matchdays, the Indomitable Lions have four points.

The first match is scheduled for November 12 at Japoma Stadium in Douala, before the return match on November 16. David Pagou's choices will be put to the test in these two matches, in which Cameroon will seek to earn points and continue its pursuit of qualification.lection

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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Cameroon

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