From Sportstar · Neeladri Bhattacharjee · · 1m 10s
Raphael Messi Bouli on Eto’o and World Cup hopes
Former Cameroon striker Raphael Messi Bouli says Samuel Eto’o’s leadership could help team return to World Cup after AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
In brief
Former Cameroon striker Raphael Messi Bouli says Samuel Eto’o’s leadership could help team return to World Cup after AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Raphael Messi Bouli believes Samuel Eto’o’s presidency of Cameroon FA is a step toward Cameroon qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Originally reported by Sportstar.
Eto’o’s leadership challenges
Samuel Eto’o faces match-fixing allegations, FIFA sanctions, and embezzlement claims as Cameroon FA president.
“I think he’s doing well. … not everything is good, but we can see the improvement.”
Bouli’s World Cup vision
Raphael Messi Bouli believes Cameroon can return to World Cup after Eto’o’s reforms and AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
“We didn’t get the points we were supposed to.”
Eto’o’s reforms
Eto’o’s FECAFOOT invested in grassroots and professional clubs, helping Cameroon’s U-20 teams qualify for major tournaments.
“The men’s Under-20 team won gold at the 2023 Francophonie Games.”
Cameroon’s talent pipeline
Cameroon has produced stars like Kylian Mbappe and Samuel Umtiti, with new players emerging for AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
“That’s something I’m also proud of. Football is not only what you see, but it’s also what you cannot see behind.”
Team transition
Cameroon replaced veterans with younger players for AFCON 2027 qualifiers, including Angel Yondjo and Geovanni Ndjee.
“There is a good team, a new team with new players.”
World Cup ambitions
Raphael Messi Bouli expects Cameroon to qualify for 2026 World Cup after Eto’o’s leadership and AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
“Let’s see. I think we will play in the next World Cup.”
Eto’o’s legacy
Eto’o’s presidency saw Cameroon qualify for World Cup, with reforms aimed at long-term football development.
“When you reach somewhere, with the name he has, people expect you to give more, and change things automatically.”
What matters most
Raphael Messi Bouli believes Samuel Eto’o’s presidency of Cameroon FA is a step toward Cameroon qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
