Coach Rigobert Song had a pre-match press conference last Friday in Abidjan, ahead of the decisive game against Nigeria on Saturday 27th January, 2024 (9pm). Below are recap of what he said:
About Samuel Eto’o meddling with his job;
“I am and remain the coach of the Indomitable Lions. I take responsibility for all choices…
The president is in his role and I in mine. He is passionate. He loves his work. If he goes down to the locker room, it’s not to impose anything. Although president today, he remains passionate”
About the substitution of goalkeepers;
“Cameroon is a country which has always had great goalkeepers… Today we also have two good goalkeepers. Playing time is shared. I don’t have a problem with my goalkeepers. All my goalies are competitive. I came with 27 players, and everyone is ready to step up. There is no controversy to be had, they get along very well… and then the choices are made”
About Preparation to face the Super Eagles;
“.. We know what we have to do and where we have to go. So today I think we are well-prepared . We always remain in the perspective of not giving in. We started slowly and are gradually building up. Tomorrow’s match is sure to be another match”
About conceding goals;
“We have already conceded 6 goals and tomorrow we will find the formula to not concede…
We will try to put Nigeria in difficulty and fight to continue the competition”
About his tenure as coach;
“For the moment, I think I’m still under contract. I remain focused on what I have to do and then we’ll see what happens next. I am focused on tomorrow”.
General appraisal of Nigeria;
“We want to keep making history …Nigeria is a very good team. We have played against them severally. The matches against them were never easy. This is a team to take seriously. What I know is what my players are ready for. A victory is absolutely necessary to continue the competition”
Philosophical statement:
“When you know you are in danger you are no longer in d@nger. So we are no longer in d@nger”
