By Martin Etonge BBC Sport inTunis

Some players like, Eto'o Fils, did not shine as hoped

The elimination of Cameroon at the quarter-finals of this year's Cup of Nations has put an end to what threatened to be a long domination of African football.

The Indomitable Lions, who were seeking a record third consecutive title in Tunisia, were knocked out by Nigeria on Sunday.

It was sweet revenge for the Super Eagles who had been beaten in three Cup of Nations finals by Cameroon.

The Lions may have lost their roar in Tunisia but officials and players are quick to point out that it does not mean a bleak future for the team.

The coaches have a lot of home work to do Cameroon FA president Mohammed Iya

Several reasons have been put forward in an effort to explain the side's early exit.

While some fans hold coach Winfried Schaefer responsible, others think the players are to blame.

Those dissenters believe Schaefer is not creative enough to manage the talent of his players, unlike his predecessor Pierre Lechantre.

Lechantre was the man who reinstated Cameroon's hegemony in the continent by taking the African title in 2000.

Schaefer has continued to use the former coach's strategy despite the influx of new blood.

Opponents have therefore had enough time to develop ways of countering Cameroon's game.

Cameroon fans have not had too much to cheer about in Tunisia

Some people also accuse Schaefer of poor squad selection.

Goalkeeper Idriss Kameni has not played competitive football for five years but he is the number one in goal.

Fans believe some players were also to blame for not taking their on-pitch role seriously enough.

The Cameroon stars also acknowledge that the side was not at its best.

"I do not think we have been excellent in the whole tournament," defender Lucien Mettomo said.

While many fans want Schaefer to go, players and officials think otherwise.

"The elimination of Cameroon does not revoke the job that has been done so far. We'll continue to work for wins in future competitions," Mettomo argued.

Cameroon FA president, Mohammed Iya, also backs Schaefer.

"For me there is no debate on the sacking or not of Mr Schaefer. The federation has full confidence in him," Iya insisted.

But the president does accept that some changes need to be made.

"The coaches have a lot of home work to do. I think they have to do something about the defence."