André Onana is expected to return to the Cameroon national team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a period away from the Indomitable Lions.
The Manchester United goalkeeper’s possible comeback comes as Cameroon prepare for the qualifying campaign under new coach David Pagou, who is demanding discipline, commitment and a strong collective approach from his squad.
Onana’s return would give Cameroon the experience of one of their most prominent goalkeepers as they attempt to build a competitive team for the next Africa Cup of Nations.
The 30-year-old’s absence has been a notable part of the recent story surrounding the Indomitable Lions, but his name is now back in discussions as Pagou prepares his squad for the qualifiers.
Pagou is preparing for the qualifying campaign with an emphasis on creating a disciplined environment within the national team.
The Cameroon coach wants his players to operate under strict rules, with collective discipline and individual commitment forming the foundation of his approach.
That philosophy will also apply to experienced players returning to the squad.
For Pagou, the presence of established names must fit into the wider structure of the team and contribute to maintaining balance within the group.
The possible return of Onana therefore comes at a time when Cameroon are looking to combine experience with the energy of a squad undergoing reconstruction.
The coaching staff believes that bringing together experienced players and younger members of the team can help create a stronger side capable of competing during the qualifiers.
Onana’s experience would provide an important addition to that rebuilding process, while the goalkeeper’s return could also strengthen competition within the squad.
The immediate priority for Pagou is to establish cohesion among his players before the qualifying campaign begins.
The coach wants the team to approach the qualifiers with a high level of commitment and a shared understanding of the standards expected from every member of the squad.
The national team staff is therefore planning to bring the full group together as preparations continue.
Pagou’s approach is centred on ensuring that Cameroon enter the campaign in the best possible condition, both collectively and individually.
Strict discipline is expected to be a key part of the team’s preparations, with the coach seeking to create an environment in which every player understands his responsibilities.
The possible return of Onana would come against that backdrop.
The goalkeeper’s expected comeback could consequently become one of the key talking points around Cameroon’s preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
