AFCON 2024: Cameroon Seeks to Harness Elimination for Future Preparation

It wasn't a rout, but Cameroon didn't exactly shine against Nigeria either. Ineffectual against a well-organized Nigerian side, the Indomitable Lions failed to register a single shot on target. Worse, they almost handed the Super Eagles the opening goal in the 35th minute following a defensive lapse by Oumar Gonzalez, who lost possession under Victor Osimhen's pressing. "We are disappointed, frustrated; there's a lot of frustration. As I like to say, in these kinds of matches, details make the difference today, and they didn't go our way. It's a young group that made some mistakes, and I hope they will come out of it stronger because, for many players, it was their first CAN," explained Captain André-Frank Zambo-Anguissa.

Nevertheless, in the press conference, the Cameroonian coach preferred to focus on the positive aspects of the evening, attributing his team's defensive lapses to the youthfulness of the squad. "I have young players who are discovering. It's by making mistakes that they will grow. I remain convinced that we have a very good team. My players did what was required, but we lacked experience and maturity," assured Rigobert Song.

Essentially, the message the Cameroonians wanted to convey was that this setback would serve them in preparing for the future. Rigobert Song emphasized that he was a "manager-coach" of a team in "reconstruction." "On the sports front, there is always room for improvement. If we haven't won, it's because there is always room for improvement," conceded Lions' goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa. "There are things to take away and learn, and for the upcoming challenges, we will have progressed in that regard." Progressing his team will now be the top priority for Rigobert Song, who cannot use the youthfulness of his group as an excuse for much longer, having faced criticism from the Cameroonian press. Eliminated from this CAN, the Indomitable Lions can now focus on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Their next match is scheduled for June against Cape Verde.