The youngest player of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Wilfred Nathan Douala, has found himself in a thick web of age scandal.
Douala was the youngest player in the competition as he was recorded to be 17 years old as of the time of the tournament.
The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) had earlier unveiled a list of 62 players ineligible to play in the second part of the Elite championship due to irregularities in identification and ages.
In the list, the body declared Wilfried Douala (one of the stars of the Indomitable Lions during the AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire) as one of 62 players excluded from the championship following the result of double identity.
Victoria United comes second with 7 players ruled out of the “playoffs up”, with the biggest name of them all, being Wilfried Nathan Douala.
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Douala’s real age however hasn’t been disclosed, but he joins 61 other players who have also been suspended for concealing their ages.
Below is a list of some the youngest player in the just concluded 2023 Afcon:
1. Lamine Camara (Senegal)
At just 20 years old, Lamine Camara has played a pivotal role for French side Metz this season, contributing with 17 appearances, one goal, and two assists.
2. Wilfried Nathan Douala (Cameroon)
Born on May 15, 2006, in Douala, Wilfried Nathan Douala was the surprise inclusion in Rigobert Song’s list for the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
A midfielder for Victoria United in Cameroon’s top division, the 17-year-old impressed the coaching staff with his immense technical potential and commendable performances in the league – though his age is still in doubt.
3. Karim Konaté (Côte d’Ivoire)
Born on March 21, 2004, Konaté continues to impress and has been one of the attractions for the Ivorian fans during the home-hosted CAN. A year and a half ago (June 2022), Karim Konaté’s transfer from ASEC Mimosas to RB Salzburg made headlines.
4. Ernest Nuamah (Ghana)
The 2004-born winger has seen 14 appearances this season in Ligue 1 for Olympique Lyonnais. 20-year-old Ernest Nuamah plays a crucial role in the team’s setup.
Acquired for €25 million from Nordsjaelland by Molenbeek before being sent to Lyon, the young winger has made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the league. He earned his first cap for the Black Stars in June 2023, and his dynamic play is expected to add more flair to the already formidable attacking lineup.
5. Michael Amir Richardson Junior (Morocco – 21 years)
Joining Stade de Reims this season from Le Havre, 21-year-old Amir Richardson has had an almost perfect start to the season personally. The impact of the towering 6’5″ midfielder on Reims’ play is evident through his impressive statistics, boasting three goals in 14 matches.
