Hugo Ekitike wants to play for Cameroon over France
FRANKFURT — According to sources, Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike reportedly wants to play for the Cameroonian national team over the French. Ekitike, who is on loan at Frankfurt from Stade Reims, is a youth international for France, having played with the France U20s. He is eligible for France from his birth and Cameroon from his mother.
Ekitike inked a loan deal from PSG to Frankfurt over the winter, which includes an option to buy him for $32 million. The former Reims prodigy has hit a dry spell this season, as he hasn’t scored once in 11 appearances this season.
Although FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o attempted to convince Ekitike to play for Cameroon in November ahead of AFCON, Ekitike wasn’t swayed and took his time choosing between Cameroon and France.
However, independent journalists based in Cameroon are reporting he is “more than keen” to join the Indomitable Lions following a period of inactivity for both club and country.
After initially refusing the loan move to Frankfurt, Ekitike suffered racial abuse by fans and struggled mightily with his mental health and playing time. There were rumors about attitude problems, but the easiest explanation for his lack of playing time is despite his potential, he’s still a very raw talent. He struggled to adjust to playing at PSG’s high level, and despite the modest success he had in an initial loan spell with the Parisians, he couldn’t adapt in the summer with the first team.
Ekitike has adjusted well with Frankfurt, coming off the bench regularly and often playing up top. He’s played better as a lone man up top supported by two attacking midfielders. In seven Frankfurt appearances, he’s had one assist as he begins the slow progress back to his initial hype.
It remains to be seen whether Cameroon will integrate Ekitike in their lineup. Although previous number-nines like Frank Magri and Faris Moumbagna have struggled to create chances, Ekitike isn’t a magical bandage that can immediately cure the Cameroon offense. Despite his promise, he will also have his growing pains.
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