2024-03-06 06:30:16
The fallen football star? Once again, the monument dedicated to Samuel Eto’o in the commune of Yaoundé 6 was vandalized this Monday. A sign of the growing disenchantment of Cameroonians towards the former captain of the Lions, since his contested election at the head of Fécafoot. Deciphering a descent into hell.
A new blow for Eto’o’s image
Only four years after its inauguration with great fanfare, the monument in honor of Samuel Eto’o is only a shadow of itself. For the second time, the effigy of the former star striker was targeted by vandals, who attempted to destroy it almost completely.
The images circulating since Monday morning on social networks leave little doubt about the extent of the damage, even if the Yaoundé 6 town hall has not yet officially communicated on this act of vandalism. A deafening silence, which says a lot about the ambient unease around the tutelary figure of Cameroonian football.
From national icon to persona non grata
Because beyond this news item, it is the deep disenchantment of Cameroonians towards Samuel Eto’o that shines through. Adored during his prosperous years in the jersey of the Indomitable Lions, the darling of the country has today become persona non grata among many of his compatriots since his accession to the head of Fécafoot at the end of 2021.
At issue: methods of governance considered authoritarian and clannish, which precipitated Cameroon’s sporting debacle during the last CAN on Ivorian soil. Add to that suspicions of mismanagement, settling of scores through the press and repeated clashes with ex-teammates… The descent into hell seems endless for President Eto’o.
Towards a resignation from his functions?
In this deleterious context, this new vandalism of his monument appears like yet another scathing disavowal for the former captain. It is difficult to imagine that such an act could have occurred at the height of his glory a few years ago, when the slightest of his actions was scrutinized and adored by millions of fans.
How long will Samuel Eto’o be able to cling to his chair as federal president, he who crystallizes so much resentment and criticism within public opinion? If we are to believe the mood of Cameroonians on the networks, a resignation now seems inevitable to appease minds and finally turn the page on toxic governance. Under penalty of seeing his legend permanently tarnished in the eyes of history.