# 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.
- Title: Raphael Messi Bouli on Eto’o and World Cup hopes · Sportstar
- Summary: Former Cameroon striker Raphael Messi Bouli says Samuel Eto’o’s leadership could help team return to World Cup after AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
- Keywords: cameroon fa, samuel etoo, raphael messi bouli, afcon 2027 qualifiers, world cup 2026, cameroon national team, fecafoot, Sportstar
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/raphael-messi-bouli-cameroon-afcon-qualifiers-world-cup-ambitions-samuel-etoo-isl-football-news/article71695076.ece
- Author: Neeladri Bhattacharjee
- Published: 2026-11-12T16:52:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cameroon fa, samuel etoo, raphael messi bouli, afcon 2027 qualifiers, world cup 2026, cameroon national team, fecafoot, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Raphael Messi Bouli believes Samuel Eto’o’s presidency of Cameroon FA is a step toward Cameroon qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.