Former Indomitable lions and Inter Milan’s glove-man Andre Onana, has been recalled to the country’s national football team in an administrative epistle addressed to Inter Milan signed on April 19,2023.
At 27,the prolific keeper holds 34 caps with the Indomitable lions, was sidelined from the squad during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The former Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper was a starter during the African Cup of Nations in January-February, where Cameroon, the host country, finished third. He was the goalkeeper for the Indomitable Lions in the first match of the World Cup against Switzerland, in which they lost 1-0.
But Onana was then removed from the group for “indiscipline”, as announced by Cameroon coach Rigobert Song on November 28, after the second group match against Serbia (3-3).
Since the net-minder’s retirement from international football, the indomitable Lions have had to throw its weight behind Davis Epassy, who was default second choice in Onana’s tenure.
Fast forward from the World Cup to the AFCON qualifiers, the Indomitable Lions are in some sort of trouble as they’re placed second in group C with an awkward fixture yet to come Against Burundi.
Part of Minsep’s recalling epistle addressed to the President of Inter Milan,
« I have the honor to inform you that the State of Cameroon, represented in international football competitions by the National Selection « The Indomitable Lions », has taken note of the press release from Mr. André ONANA, resident of your prestigious and emblematic club. « Inter Milan« , press release whose terms could imply its withdrawal from this mythical National Selection at the end of the FIFA Football World Cup « Qatar 2022« .
However, on the strength of the observation that this declaration is the result of a regrettable misunderstanding with the technical staff after the first match during the competition mentioned above, and given the reaffirmation by the person concerned of his patriotic attachment to Cameroon and the Indomitable Lions, also revealed in the same press release,
« We kindly ask you to allow this talented goalkeeper, who has so far been one of the strong links of this team, to satisfy his desire to continue to represent his country of origin and to make millions of compatriots dream. , making it available to the Indomitable Lions as soon as needed. »
« While counting on your diligence and good understanding, please accept, Mr. President, the assurance of my highest consideration. »
The Cameroonian government is reputed in recalling players who throw in the towel. Onana is one of them after Albert Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o respectively made a U-turn after retiring from International duty.
By Brian Mboh