Lions Indomptables: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on track for early international retirement?

Bayern striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting could be the big absentee from Rigobert Song’s list for CAN 2023.

This Thursday, Rigobert Song, Cameroon’s head coach, will release the list of Indomitable Lions who will defend Cameroon’s colors at the CAN 2023. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is unlikely to be on the list.

According to well-informed sources, Rigobert Song has put Choupo-Moting’s name down on his list of players for the CAN Ivory Coast 2023.

Barring any last-minute changes following ongoing negotiations, the Bayern Munich striker will not be part of the Indomitable Lions’ expedition to Côte d’Ivoire, even though Cameroon’s Minister of Sport recently put his faith in the manager-coach to objectively call up the Lions who will defend Cameroon’s colors in the land of the Elephants.

After Ngadeu Ngadjui at the Qatar World Cup, the Indomitable Lions are on the verge of another suspicious sidelining ahead of a major tournament.

Choupo-Moting is accused of inappropriate behavior after being called up (but not honored) for the October gathering, which led to his non-selection for the following gathering last November.

As the list has not yet been made official, discussions are said to be underway. Nevertheless, the tendency is for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to be omitted from the final list.

An absence from the next Africa Cup of Nations could mark the end of his national team career and precipitate his early international retirement, as he turns 35 in 2024.

In the absence of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Rigobert Song could be relying on youngsters for the CAN 2023. Faris Moumbagna, Leonel Ateba and many other strikers could be arriving in Côte d’Ivoire.

They would also be motivated to make their contribution to the CAN 2023.