Equatorial Guinea have sacked head coach Juan Micha and dropped several senior players after a player strike led to the team missing their World Cup qualifier in Malawi.
Officials confirmed the decision on Sunday, saying a number of players, including long-serving captain Emilio Nsue, have been expelled from the national team ahead of Monday’s final Group H match against Liberia.
Several regulars refused to travel for last Thursday’s game in Malawi, citing poor conditions and unpaid allowances. The no-show left the country facing possible sanctions from FIFA.
Micha’s dismissal was confirmed in a statement from the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation, which said:
“The Ministry of Sports has given players called up for these FIFA matches who believe they can continue to defend their country the opportunity to put their names on a list.
Emilio Nsue. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Otherwise, anyone who doesn’t do so will be deemed to have opted out and will no longer be part of the national team.”
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Assistant coach Casto Nopo has been appointed interim boss and will lead a newly assembled squad against Liberia.
The revised list omits many players who featured at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where Equatorial Guinea famously beat hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 in one of the tournament’s biggest shocks and drew 1-1 with Nigeria in their opening game.
Juan Micha. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Despite topping their group, they were knocked out in the last 16 by Guinea after a late goal.
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Equatorial Guinea have already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, starting on 21 December, but are out of contention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
