AFCON 2025: when the tournament is played off the pitch

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has not officially started yet, and it is already surrounded by a storm that goes far beyond the ball. Dual call-ups, power struggles, controversial comments, and off-field decisions have once again highlighted a reality that has long accompanied the tournament: at AFCON, politics, identity, and symbolism can matter just as much as talent.

Two cases clearly reflect this situation. On one hand, the institutional chaos in Cameroon, an African powerhouse trapped in an internal battle. On the other, the surprising exclusion of Nicolas Pépé from Ivory Coast’s squad, a decision that opens the debate on how far the consequences of a player’s off-field words can go.

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Cameroon: two squads, one conflict, and a divided national team

What has happened in Cameroon borders on the unprecedented, even by African football standards. Just days before the start of the tournament, the country released two different AFCON squads. One came from the federation, led by Samuel Eto’o, and the other from the coaching staff headed by Marc Brys, who refuses to accept his dismissal.

The conflict runs deep. Eto’o and Brys are locked in an open war over control of the sporting project, leaving players, clubs, and fans in complete confusion. The federation even announced David Pagou as the official coach for the tournament, complete with a new staff, while Brys insists he remains the legitimate head coach.

The sporting consequences are obvious. Key figures such as André Onana, Eric Choupo-Moting, and Vincent Aboubakar were left out of the first list, sparking suspicion and internal rumors. Aboubakar’s case is particularly sensitive: it is claimed that his omission is driven by fears he could surpass Eto’o’s all-time goal-scoring record.

Historically, Cameroon has suffered when institutional disorder overrides football, and this AFCON appears no different. Talent is abundant, but preparation and clarity are crucial in a short, unforgiving tournament.

Nicolas Pépé: when words cost a call-up

In Ivory Coast, the controversy takes a different shape. Nicolas Pépé, one of the most recognizable names in the squad, was left out of the AFCON 2025 list for off-field reasons, as confirmed by head coach Emerse Fae.

From a sporting perspective, the decision is surprising. Pépé has been a regular presence for Villarreal, contributing goals and assists in LaLiga, and played an important role in the Elephants’ World Cup qualification campaign. However, his off-field comments ultimately outweighed his performances on the pitch.

The winger sparked controversy after joking about sensitive issues such as national identity and making ironic remarks about rival teams and host nations. What may have seemed like humor was internally interpreted as a lack of responsibility and respect for national representation.

Fae was clear: if only sporting factors were considered, Pépé would be in the squad. But at AFCON, context, image, and messaging matter just as much as talent.

AFCON: identity, power, and a tournament bigger than ever

These two cases confirm an uncomfortable but real truth: AFCON is not just football. It is identity, politics, national pride, and public perception. A poorly chosen comment or a badly managed power struggle can have immediate consequences on sporting performance.

And yet, despite the chaos, controversy, and tension, this tournament feels different. Bigger, more closely watched, and more relevant than ever. AFCON 2025 promises drama on the pitch, but also intense stories off it, where every decision matters and every word carries weight.

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