Football / François-Régis Mughe Declines CAN Call-up: A Strategic Choice for His Future at Olympique de Marseille

Olympique de Marseille’s young winger, François-Régis Mughe, has made a surprising decision by turning down the invitation from Cameroonian coach Rigobert Song to participate in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). This decision, far from being trivial, seems to be the result of strategic thinking for the player’s future with his club.

Despite his well-deserved call-up to represent Cameroon in the CAN (January 13-February 11), Mughe has chosen to stay in Marseille, thereby expressing his commitment to Olympique de Marseille. At 19 years old, the winger recently extended his contract with the club until 2028.

Present at the resumption of training on December 29, François Mughe chose to train with his Marseille teammates rather than join the Indomitable Lions at the training camp in Jeddah, as planned by the Cameroonian Federation. This decision could be explained by the opportunities arising from the absence of certain key players in the offensive sector of Olympique de Marseille.

According to Wesportfr, information suggests that Olympique de Marseille coach Gennaro Gattuso presented a dilemma to Mughe. Although the young winger was called up for the first time to the Cameroonian national team, Gattuso reportedly offered him the option to decline participation in exchange for an increased playing time under the Marseille jersey.

According to La Tanière sources, François-Régis Mughe accepted this proposition, prioritizing his development within Olympique de Marseille. This strategic choice could prove to be beneficial for the player, allowing him to gain experience and maturity within his club while continuing to actively contribute to his performances.

By declining the call-up for the CAN, Mughe seems to have taken a decisive turn in his career, emphasizing his personal ambitions and commitment to Olympique de Marseille. Only time will tell if this choice will prove beneficial for the talented Cameroonian winger.

Pascal Amstrong