Cameroon international goalkeeper Andre Onana has sparked fresh controversy after making explosive claims about alleged bonus-related issues within the national team setup during the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Manchester United shot-stopper recounted an incident from the tournament held in Ivory Coast, where he claimed a player from the domestic Cameroonian league received a significant bonus payment under questionable circumstances.
According to Onana, the unnamed player approached him to explain the situation surrounding a reported 5 million bonus payout. However, the goalkeeper said he advised the player against speaking out, warning of potential repercussions within what he described as a deeply entrenched system.
“I told him, if you try to explain the situation, they’ll crush you. Stay calm and move on because the system is strong,” Onana said.
The 29-year-old further alleged that attempts to expose such issues are often met with resistance and intimidation. He revealed that he had considered speaking publicly about the matter on television but feared the consequences it could have on the player involved.
Onana claimed that individuals who try to defend others in such situations often become targets themselves, adding that authorities could pressure players to publicly contradict claims in order to protect certain interests.
“If I expose the kid’s problem, trying to defend him, they’ll threaten him, saying go and contradict Onana, to please some people,” he stated.
The former Ajax and Inter Milan goalkeeper also hinted at feeling isolated in his stance, suggesting that even those he seeks to support may eventually turn against him under pressure.
“Sometimes, there are guys you just have to leave in the lurch. You take the bullets for someone, and he’s the first one who turns against you because he wants to please,” he added.
While Onana did not provide specific details or name individuals involved, his remarks have reignited conversations about transparency, player welfare, and financial management within African football structures.
