André Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper, has expressed his frustration at being omitted from his national team’s World Cup squad for their match against Uruguay on Monday.
Onana, who is believed to have been suspended for disciplinary reasons, has stated that he put his ‘efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation that a footballer often experiences’ but found ‘no will on the other side’.
Onana’s absence from Cameroon’s World Cup squad is a huge blow to the nation’s chances of success, with the 25-year-old having established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Africa.
The shot-stopper has been in excellent form for both his club Ajax and his country, having helped the latter to victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the former to a domestic double in 2018/19.
Onana’s suspension has been met with a huge sense of disappointment amongst Cameroonian football fans, with the player being a hugely popular figure in his homeland.
Onana himself has been particularly vocal on the matter, stating that he is ‘extremely disappointed’ and that he ‘puts his efforts and energy into finding solutions to a situation’ only to find ‘no will on the other side’.
The Cameroonian international goalkeeper is now returning home from Qatar, where he was due to represent his nation in the World Cup.
Onana is known for his vocal support of his country, having recently written an open letter to FIFA, urging them to ensure better facilities for African countries participating in the World Cup.
Onana’s suspension is a huge blow for Cameroon, who are already without influential striker Vincent Aboubakar.
The Cameroonian team will be hoping to make a deep run in the tournament, but the absence of Onana could prove to be a major obstacle to their progress.
Cameroon’s World Cup campaign is now in the balance, but André Onana’s return home will no doubt provide a boost of morale to a nation desperate to reach the knockout stages.
Onana’s dedication and commitment to his country is something to be admired, and hopefully he will be back in the squad sooner rather than later.
