Mboma will travel to Spain with the team. Cameroon’s football authorities have succumbed to public demands to recall striker Patrick Mboma to the national team. Head coach Winfried Schafer told journalists during a press conference on Sunday that Mboma will be part of the provisional team that will camp in Spain ahead of the tournament in Tunisia. Schafer said it was necessary to include the former African Footballer of the Year because he could play a deciding role for the Indomitable Lions.
« During our camping in Spain, We’ll give Mboma a chance to prove that he is fit for the Nations Cup.
« He has always been a good player, a player who can make the difference because of his personality and experience, » Schafer admitted.
The German’s pronouncment came a day after legend Roger Milla said State President Paul Biya had asked him to look into the situation, which has fuelled speculation that Mboma’s return was the result of Biya’s intervention.
Schafer told the BBC Sport website he was not against the inclusion of Mboma in the squad but refused to make specific comments on the allegations that sports minister Bidoung Mkpatt had opposed the player’s return to the team.
Vice-captain Samuel Eto’o Fils told journalists that the squad was pleased to have Mboma back.
« There has never been any rivalry between Patrick and me, as some people have been made to understand.
« Instead we complement each other and understand ourselves, » Eto’o said.
Mboma, who plays for Japanese side Verdy, has been in Yaounde since 2 January but has refused to make any public statements on his problems with the national team.
However, a close associate of the player told this website that he would talk to the media after a meeting with the sports minister.
By Martin Etonge
