Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor from Manchester United, is among several seasoned players omitted for the tournament running from December 21 to January 18, including striker Vincent Aboubakar, who has been a key figure in the team for the past 15 years.

These adjustments follow Cameroon's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo is included in the squad alongside Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The president of the country's football federation, Samuel Eto’o, has openly expressed his intention to replace Brys, 63, ever since his appointment by the sports ministry in April 2024 and has made several attempts previously.

Bolstered by his recent re-election as president last weekend, Eto’o has made another move and replaced the Belgian coach with 56-year-old Pagou, who has experience managing in Cameroon's domestic league and will be supported by Martin Ntoungou Mpile.

Cameroon will start their Group F matches at the Cup of Nations finals against Gabon in Agadir on December 24. Their group also includes the defending champions Ivory Coast and Mozambique .

Cameroon squad:

Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy (Dinamo Bucharest), Simon Omossola (St Eloi Lupopo), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Montpellier), Edouard Sombang (Colombe Du Dja)

Defenders: Samuel Kotto (Gent), Gerzino Nyamsi (Lokomotiv Moscow), Jean-Charles Castelletto (Al-Duhail), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders), Flavien Enzo Boyomo (Osasuna), Mahamadou Nagida (Rennes), Christopher Wooh (Spartak Moscow), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City), Darlin Yongwa (FC Lorient)

Midfielders: Martin Ndzie (Rapid Vienna), Carlos Baleba (Brighton), Arthur Avom (FC Lorient), Eric-Junior Dina Ebimbe (Brest), Brice Ambina (Valerenga), Jean Junior Onana (Genoa), Olivier Kemen (Istanbul B.B)

Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Christian Bassogog (Al-Okhdood), George-Kevin N’koudou (Al-Diriyah), Danny Namaso (Auxerre), Frank Magri (Toulouse), Karl Etta Eyong (Levante), Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen), Patrick Soko (Almeria)