Sports Minister, Iya and Coach to go plead with Eto'o

According to some print media outlets, a three man delegation made up of Sports Minister Adoum Garoua, FECAFOOT boss Iya Mohammed and Lions' coach Jean – Paul Akono is set to travel to Russia to meet with estranged Indomitable Lion Samuel Eto'o. The alleged purpose of this trip is to convince the striker to call off his rejection of the national team and return to the fold. W

hether this is true or just conjecture or speculation isn't clear but the existence of such stories is adequate proof of the dire situation in which the Cameroonian football brass finds itself. Also when considered that even prior to his appointment as the new coach Akono advocated Eto'o's return, one is tempted to see truth in such reports. The prospect of another non-participation at the AFCON amid rumours of foul management  must prompt such speculations. Vindicated by the Praia defeat, Samuel Eto'o finds himself enjoying much public good will. His messianic position in the eyes of Cameroonian football fans has never been this strong. Such a position easily obliterates memories of an earlier time when the player was thought to be a major part of the problem with the Lions. What a sudden turn in events.