Rigobert Song’s Marriage with Cameroon’s National Team Ends.

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – It has been a tumultuous tenure of Rigobert Song at the helm of the Cameroon national team. The non-renewal of Song's contract, just two year at the helm of the Indomitable Lions only goes to prove what many have been saying; Rigobert Song was not the right man at the moment to take the Indomitable Lions to the next level.

The non-renewal of Song’s contract was announced by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. Shortly after, FECAFOOT announced that the contract with the Song would not be renewed. Cameroon was knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the last 16 in January by eventual runners-up Nigeria.

46-year-old Rigobert Song was appointed as the head of the Cameroonian national football team on February 28, 2022. The former coach of the Olympic team has never been able to make his mark, despite his multiple unsuccessful attempts.

His disappointing coaching displays were characterized by persistent defeats that pushed Cameroon out of their usual standards.

The non-renewal of Song’s contract comes after a poor performance at the just-ended Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in which Cameroon succeeded in winning just 1 of 4 matches played. In 2021, Cameroon finished third but Cameroon’s lackluster performance even caught the attention of President Biya who had given clear instructions to the Minister of Sports on the matter.

"We have not achieved our objectives, and our executive committee and I do not see ourselves renewing the contract (with Song)," Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto'o told France 24.

Rigobert Song, a former international team-mate of Eto'o, was appointed as Cameroon boss in February 2022 to replace Antonio Conceição. He helped the Indomitable Lions to a dramatic play-off victory over Algeria in extra time to qualify for the FIFA Qatar World Cup.

But five-time African champions Cameroon were dumped out in the group stage, despite a surprise victory over Brazil in their final game. Former Liverpool midfielder Song only won six of his 23 matches in charge, a 26% win rate. Meanwhile, his predecessor, Toni Conceicao had been in charge for 24 matches recording 14 victories with six draws and just three defeats.

The Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT in their communiqué added that “in the next few days, the details of the recruitment process for a new Indomitable Lions coaching staff will be announced.”

"Song brought a lot to this team," added Samuel Eto'o. "Now we have to think about the future."