Cameroon Coach Still to Demystify Protracted Attacking ‘Trigonometry’

The indomitable lions have to beat the Super Eagles back to back if they must go to Russia in 2018. Mr Hugo has assembled eight attackers to wage an offensive war against the West African neighbours on September 1 and 4, in Uyo and Yaounde. 

The Belgian Coach has not yet established a productive relationship between the elements of his attacking ‘trigonometry’, that is, a fluid liaison between 3 front-liners  since taking over from Volker Finke in February 2016.

This time around, unforeseen circumstances have compelled the 65-year-old to look beyond his traditional compass of attacking Cameroon internationals. 

His venture has brought forth Nsame Jean Pierre who looks to contain components of the panacea Cameroon requires in the attack. The fresh leg just joined Swiss club Young Boys, after scoring 23 goals in 31 games for FC Servette. He has already scored 3 in 9 games this season. 

Fabrice Olinga is back. The 21-year-old, who stars for Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium, has capped 8 times scoring 1 goal. His great ball-control and passing abilities often create goal scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Mr Broos continues to trust in Moumi Ngamaleu who just joined compatriot Nsame at BSC Young Boys. The 23-year-old former Canon and Coton Sport striker scored 10 goals and assisted thrice in 38 games for Altach last season.

The top-notch attackers include Captain Moukandjo, Aboubakar and Bassogog.  

Fleet-footed Bassogog Christian shoulders much of Cameroon’s hope to batter Nigeria.  At club level, the 21-year-old has recorded 7 goals and 5 assists after just 18 games for Henan in China. The pacy predator scored a memorable goal in the 2017 AFCON semi-final against Ghana.

Moukandjo’s form in the Chinese Super League speaks volume. The 28-year-old has netted 4 out of 5 games for Jiangsu Suning, since joining from the relegated Lorient.

On his part, Aboubakar Vincent is washing himself clean after flopping at the 2017 Confed. Cup in Russia. He has registered 30 goals and 7 assists in 65 games for FC Porto. The former Besiktas loanee is the only member of the team to have scored a hat-trick in recent times.

Meanwhile, it is about time Maxim Choupo reconciled reputation with performance. The former Schalke 04 forward is a fresh leg for Premier League club Stoke City this season. 

Union Doula’s centre forward Frantz Pangop has replaced the injured Karl Toko Ekambi. But there is an obvious question of class. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old elite striker scored recently in Sao Tome to help Cameroon qualify for CHAN, Kenya 2018.

All in all, things are not looking too rosy for both the African Champions and Nigeria. For now, the only guarantee is probably a fascinating encounter as both nations continue in their quest for superiority in West Africa.

Cameroon Vs Nigeria Head to Head 1960-2015

      Date                     Match                        Score   Competition

26 Apr 1960 Nigeria v Cameroon D 0-0     International Friendly

08 Dec 1962 Nigeria v Cameroon W 3-1     Nkrumah Cup

15 Apr 1963 Cameroon v Nigeria W 1-3     International Friendly

31 Aug 1967 Nigeria v Cameroon D 1-1     International Friendly

07 Dec 1968 Nigeria v Cameroon D 1-1     FIFA World Cup

22 Dec 1968 Cameroon v Nigeria W 2-3     FIFA World Cup

22 Jan 1975 Nigeria v Cameroon W 1-0     International Friendly

17 Jul 1978 Nigeria v Cameroon D 0-0     African Games

02 Feb 1980 Nigeria v Cameroon D 0-0     International Friendly

18 Mar 1984 Cameroon v Nigeria L 3-1     Africa Cup of Nations

17 Mar 1988 Nigeria v Cameroon D 1-1     Africa Cup of Nations

27 Mar 1988 Cameroon v Nigeria L 1-0     Africa Cup of Nations

10 Jun 1989 Nigeria v Cameroon W 2-0     FIFA World Cup

27 Aug 1989 Cameroon v Nigeria L 1-0     FIFA World Cup

25 Jan 1992 Nigeria v Cameroon W 2-1     Africa Cup of Nations

07 Aug 1997 Nigeria v Cameroon W 1-0     CUP Leg 97

13 Feb 2000 Nigeria v Cameroon L 2-2     AFCON (Cameroon won)

01 Jun 2003 Nigeria v Cameroon W 3-0     LG Cup

08 Feb 2004 Cameroon v Nigeria W 1-2    Africa Cup of Nations

11 Oct 2015 Nigeria v Cameroon W 3-0    International Friendly