In an interview with France 24, Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroonian football federation (Fecafoot), announced that Rigobert Song, the coach of the Indomitable Lions, will no longer manage the national team. This decision comes in the wake of the team’s early elimination at the hands of Nigeria in the round of 16 of CAN 2024.
Rigobert Song, a former player and captain of the national team, took over as head coach with high hopes. However, his tenure was marred by disappointing results. Under his leadership, Cameroon struggled to perform consistently, with a record of 9 losses, 6 wins, and 8 draws in 23 matches.
Despite his legendary status and contributions to Cameroonian football, Song’s inability to meet the team’s objectives ultimately led to the decision not to renew his contract. President Samuel Eto’o praised Song for his past contributions but emphasized the need to focus on the future of the national team.
Fecafoot had already begun the search for a new coach, with names like Belgian Tom Saintfiet being considered. The departure of Song is part of a larger trend in African football, with at least nine coaches leaving their posts following the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.