30 Local Players Summoned to Yaoundé to Prep for Indomitable Lions International Duty

Indomitable Lions head coach, David Pagou has made a list of 30 players from the national championships  public this Monday, March 2, for an intensive training camp to be held from March 6 to 10 in Yaoundé. This gathering serves as the primary preparation phase for Cameroon’s upcoming activity in the FIFA window, as the team is set to travel to Australia to compete in the FIFA Series. A definitive squad is expected at the end of this camp, where a select few local standouts will be chosen to join the ranks of the foreign-based professionals for the trip abroad.

This four-day gathering in the heart of the political capital will not be a mere formality, but a real test of level for these players who dream of becoming permanent members of the indomitable Lions den.

A List Between Experience and Youth

The coach has cast a wide net to assemble this 30-man squad, blending seasoned league veterans with the country’s most promising young talents. In the goalkeeping department, there is a notable shake-up as Édouard Sombang, who was the lone local player selected by Pagou for the 2025 AFCON, is a high-profile absentee. The shortlist instead features Michael Fansu, a  2025 CAF Confederations Cup campaigner, and Ballon d’Or nominee Husseini Ousmanou, who will both compete alongside Marc Janvier Nomo Onguene for the starting spot.

The defensive wall is anchored by experience and emerging brilliance. Agbor Bogard, now representing PWD Bamenda, though young, boats a wealth of experience having been preselected multiple times with the Intermediate Lions. Joining him is the exciting prospect Essinguila Mbinde; the Best Stars Academy defender arrives fresh off winning the 2026 UNIFFAC U17 trophy and is widely regarded as a player to watch for the future.

In the middle of the park, the technical staff has rewarded pure form. Jefter Arrey has earned his place in the 30-man squad following a stellar run of 4 goals and 5 assists, including a recent hat-trick against Aigle du Moungo. He is joined in the midfield by his former ISOHSA teammate Nko Rattensi, as well as a strong contingent from Gazelle Football Academy.

The attacking line-up sees Rony Baliag of Galactique receiving his reward for a magnificent UNIFFAC tournament. He finds himself in elite company alongside Dynamo Douala’s prolific Jules Armand Kooh. However, the biggest talking point remains the exclusion of Serge Daura. Despite being Cameroon’s reigning Ballon d’Or winner and having already netted two league goals this season, his absence from the list has sparked intense debate among supporters.

The Stakes of the Training Camp

The objective is to evaluate the fitness level, tactical discipline, and the ability of these players to adapt to the high level. In a context where competition with professionals playing in Europe is fierce, this camp is the chance of a lifetime for many. David Pagou appears to be staying true to his logic of immediate performance and specific tactical profiling rather than relying solely on past accolades.

The appointment is set for March 6. These local Lions now have five days to prove they have the mettle necessary to roar on the international stage before the final selection is made for the journey to Australia.

Goalkeepers

• Marc Janvier Nomo Onguene – Panthère Sportive du Ndé
• Ismael Michel Nwoagou Fansu– Aigle Royal de la Menoua
• Manuel Maurice Nkoulou – Dynamo de Douala
• Housseini Ousmanou – Gazelle Football Académie de Garoua

Defenders

• L’Almanie Abdoul – Fauve Azur
• Habdoullah Adamou Lifab – Aigle Royal de la Menoua
• David Fernande Alaba – PWD of Bamenda
• Bogard Eyong Bessem Agbor – PWD of Bamenda
• Joseph Alexandre Nde – Dynamo de Douala
• Cyrille Domtoune Maakte – Coton Sport de Garoua
• Serges Valery Eloundou Ndzomo – AS Fortuna de Mfou
• Henri Claude Balla – Canon de Yaoundé
• Djakao Ahmadou Barka – Gazelle Football Académie de Garoua
• Gil Franck Sterly Peto – Victoria United of Limbe
• Essinguila Mbinde – Best Star of Limbe (Lions U17)

Midfielders

• Mael Fernandez Monyebe – Gazelle Football Académie de Garoua
• Jean Oussama – Canon de Yaoundé
• Arsène Mekila – Gazelle Football Académie de Garoua
• Sébastien Noah Arnaud – AS Fortuna de Mfou
• Issa Fadyl Ousmanou – Coton Sport de Garoua
• Konrad Nfanseu Sinyam – Panthère Sportive du Ndé
• Junior Landry Nkouam Polla – Stade Renard de Melong
• Nko Ghangle Rettensi – Victoria United of Limbe
• Jephter Arrey Oduak – Dynamo de Douala
• Patrick Clovert Fongang – PWD of Bamenda

Forwards

• Ambroise Y. S. Owoundi Evouna – Fauve Azur Élite de Yaoundé
• Eden Créol Ymele – Aigle Royal de la Menoua
• Jules Armand Kooh Bioumla – Dynamo de Douala
• Dylan Kouam Mbappe Akim – Unisport du Haut Nkam
• Rony Baliag Nougi – Galactique FA de Douala (Lions U17)