Their dysfunctional relationship was on full display when Andre Onana landed in Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast, directly from the north of England on Wednesday afternoon. The Cameroonian goalkeeper had taken off from Manchester just after 10:30 pm local time on Sunday, following Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

According to sources, Manchester United had footed the bill for the flight, enlisting the services of a private charter company called VistaJet. The cost of such flights ranges from $12,000 to $20,000 per hour, depending on the membership type and aircraft chosen. With an estimated eight-hour journey, Manchester United would have paid at least $100,000 (around £79,000) to keep Onana available for as long as possible before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The reasons behind Onana's absence from Cameroon's 1-1 draw against Guinea on Monday night are mired in confusion and conflicting reports. However, one thing is clear – the logistical arrangements for his participation in the match did not go according to plan.

Originally scheduled to land at a central airport in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, where Group C matches are being held, Onana ended up in Abidjan, a coastal city located 233 kilometers away. According to a spokesperson for the player, this was due to heavy fog in the central region of Ivory Coast.

The controversy surrounding his absence has ignited a heated debate. It takes approximately three hours, depending on traffic, to travel from Abidjan to Yaoundé, and according to Cameroonian journalists, Onana only arrived at the team hotel on Monday afternoon, with just five hours remaining until kickoff.

However, the key issue lies in the contradicting timelines provided by Cameroon's coach, Rigobert Song, during a press conference. If Song's timeline is accurate, it suggests that either he was given incorrect information regarding the travel plans, or there are deeper conflicts within the team.

Furthermore, there have been reports that Onana did not participate in the match against Guinea, instead having to be consoled by his teammate, former Senegalese forward Demba Diouf, on the sidelines. Onana's spokesperson has denied these claims.

The dysfunction between Onana and the Cameroon national team is not a new development. It has been an ongoing struggle, marred by power struggles and disagreements over his availability for matches. Onana has had a tumultuous relationship with the team management, which has affected his participation in crucial international fixtures.This latest incident only adds fuel to the fire, reigniting the long-standing tensions between Onana and the Cameroon Football Federation. Questions arise about the level of support and respect shown towards the goalkeeper, and whether there is a lack of cohesive decision-making within the team hierarchy.The consequences of this dysfunctional relationship could be far-reaching. Onana is a key player for both Cameroon and his club Ajax, and his absence or lack of commitment to the national team could potentially have severe repercussions for his international career.As the African Cup of Nations draws closer, it remains to be seen how this fractured relationship will impact Cameroon's performance. The unresolved issues between Onana and the team management need to be addressed promptly, and a harmonious working environment must be established to ensure the success of the national team.In conclusion, the dysfunctional relationship between Andre Onana and the Cameroon national team is a complex issue that has come to the forefront once again. The conflicting reports, logistical problems, and deeper conflicts within the team highlight the underlying tensions that have plagued their relationship. It is crucial for all parties involved to find a resolution and work towards a more positive and functional dynamic for the benefit of both the player and the national team.