|
| ETO'O to Japon with Cameroon squad |
Spanish FC Barcelona striker Samuel ETO'O is due to play with the Indomitable Lions a friendly with Japan in Oita today 22 August. Cameroon coach Jules NYONGHA has named him in his squad despite the player asking to be rested for the trip, because he's just returned from Barca's own tour of Asia. Besides the Spanish League season starts next Sunday August 26. It is yet understood that NYONGHA's decision has been made with ETO'Os agreement.
The coach has been compelled to make two last minute changes to his 18 man team - including goalkeeper BAYIHA to replace Idriss Carlos KAMENI who is injured, and Landry NGUEMO, who takes the place of the newly appointed Newcastle United captain Geremi NJITAP who cannot travel because of apparent administrative problems. This row with Japan is likely to be NYONGHA's last in charge of the Indomitable Lions, despite his achievement in steering them to Nations Cup qualification. The Cameroon Football Federation is searching a new coach to replace Arie HAAN who resigned from duty earlier this year.
As for Japan, their 66-year-old Bosnian coach Ivica OSIM has named just 12 players to face Cameroon, and the list does not include any strikers. The Japanese media consider that as a "new record" after OSIM picked only 13 players for his first match in charge against Trinidad and Tobago last year. The officials of the Japan Football Association (JFA) are embarrassed by the decision. "I don't think a half-baked selection is necessary a good thing," JFA technical director Kozo TAJIMA was quoted as saying.
Samuel MBAJUM
(Source: Yahoo Sports)
22/08/2007 |
|
|
