Cameroon coach Rigobert Song (47) has refuted claims of a renewed conflict with goalkeeper Andre Onana (27), who was excluded from their recent match at the Africa Cup of Nations finals and might face a spot on the bench again for the upcoming last-16 tie against Nigeria.
Onana had previously left the Cameroon squad during the World Cup finals in Qatar due to a dispute with Song but returned to the team in September to contribute to their qualification for the tournament in Ivory Coast.
Although Onana was allowed to miss Cameroon’s first match to play for Manchester United, he participated in the second group game against Senegal, conceding three goals, and was subsequently benched for the last group match against Gambia on Tuesday.
“I have no problem with my goalkeepers. They are all competitive and ready to respond when they need to play. There is no controversy. They get along very well,” Song told a press conference on Friday, without saying whether Onana might be restored to the goal for the last-16 game on Saturday.
Song said defence would be all-important against Nigeria, whose powerful attack is led by African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen.
“We have already conceded six goals and tomorrow we will find the formula to not concede,” added Song.
“We will try to put Nigeria in difficulty and fight to continue in the competition. I know what needs to be done so that we do everything possible tomorrow to obtain a positive result.”