Cameroon’s preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have taken a dramatic turn following the exclusion of two of their most iconic players, André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar, from the final squad list.

The decision, confirmed in a post by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, has sent shockwaves through the football community.

“André Onana and Vincent Aboubakar have been left out of the Cameroon squad for the AFCON,” Romano wrote on Monday.

For many fans, the omission of Onana — a high-profile goalkeeper with experience at Europe’s top clubs — and Aboubakar, the veteran forward who has carried the Indomitable Lions for years, feels almost unthinkable. Their absence hints at a bold shift under Cameroon’s new leadership, signalling a desire to rebuild the team’s identity with fresh legs and possibly fewer internal distractions.

Onana’s situation has been complicated by his rocky spell at Manchester United. After falling out of favour, he is currently on loan at Turkish giants Trabzonspor for the rest of the 2025–26 season. Aboubakar, meanwhile, remains a fan favourite and one of the country’s most reliable big-stage performers.

Opinion: A Brave Call or a Risky Gamble?

Cameroon’s decision to drop two of its biggest stars is either a masterstroke — or a monumental risk.

On one hand, refreshing a squad ahead of a major tournament can inject new energy, reduce dressing-room tension, and create opportunities for emerging talents to step up. It also sends a strong message that no player, no matter how decorated, is indispensable.

But on the other hand, tournaments like the AFCON thrive on experience, leadership, and the calming presence of veterans — qualities both Onana and Aboubakar possess in abundance. Removing two pillars of the team might destabilize the squad rather than strengthen it.

This move suggests that the coaching staff is prioritizing unity and long-term rebuilding over short-term star power. Whether that approach pays off or backfires on the AFCON stage is a story that will unfold in real time.

One thing is certain: Cameroon will enter this tournament with a statement — and with the world watching closely.