AFCON 2025: Equatorial Guinea stars call for Juan Micha’s reinstatement

A host of foreign-based Equatorial Guinea national team players have demanded the return of head coach Juan Micha Obiang before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) suspended Micha after the team failed to travel to Malawi for their 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifier match.

The fiasco resulted in Equatorial Guinea failing to honor their game against Malawi in October. Micha remains suspended, but the foreign-based players are now calling for his reinstatement ahead of AFCON 2025. Indonesia-based midfielder Pablo Ganet stated that the team needs focus and stability before the tournament, insisting that Micha should return as head coach.

“For us, it’s vital to continue preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations with our national team coach. If Juan Micha is not back by November, we will understand that FEGUIFUT wants to put an end to a working relationship with this generation of players,” said Ganet.

Team captain and influential forward Emilio Nsue is among those supporting the call, which comes shortly after former national team player Benjamin Zarandona blasted FEGUIFOOT in his role as a commentator in Spain.

Other players voicing their support for Micha include Carlos Akapo, Jesús Owono, Omar Mascarell, Pedro Obiang, Saul Coco, Iván Salvador, Esteban Orozco, Jose Miranda, Jannick Buyla, Jose Machín, Marvin Anieboh, Loren Zuniga, Aitor Embela, Dorian Junior, Alex Masogo, Alex Balboa, Charles Ondo, Nestor Senra, Hugo Buyla, Javier Akapo, Prince Ngaah, Cristian Makate, and Oscar Siafa.

The foreign-based players have threatened to boycott AFCON 2025, leaving the federation in a difficult position. The locally based squad managed a 1–1 draw against Liberia in their last 2026 World Cup qualifier, but without their foreign contingent, the team is expected to struggle in Morocco. It remains unclear whether FEGUIFUT will meet the players’ demands as AFCON 2025 rapidly approaches.