AFCON: Juan Micha names 28-man Equatorial Guinea squad

Equatorial Guinea national team head coach Juan Micha has revealed a 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Nzalang Nacional, as they are nicknamed, are in Group E, drawn alongside Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Sudan.

 

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Micha was reinstated to the national side after being suspended during the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers, with many players refusing to represent Equatorial Guinea without his return. Micha retained much of the squad from his previous roster for the 2025 AFCON, with familiar names dominating the selection.

As expected, Micha called up inspirational captain and striker Emilio Nsue. Nsue announced his return from a self-imposed exile in early December. Midfielder duo Pablo Ganet and Alex Balboa are also included. Experienced goalkeeper Jesus Owono, defender Basilio Ndong, Monza midfielder Pedro Obiang, and striker Iban Salvador highlight the squad selection.

Micha notably left out Federico Bikoro. The 29-year-old central midfielder has represented his country since 2013. Micha explained his omission as reasonable, according to Ahora EG. “He was without a team for quite some time, until recently when he signed for a club. His absence is due to technical reasons. We look at aspects such as performance. His absence doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem.”

Equatorial Guinea will kick off their campaign against Burkina Faso at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on December 24. Equatorial Guinea will be hoping to snatch a positive result at AFCON. Their previous major honor was finishing fourth at the 2015 AFCON.

Goalkeepers

Jesus Owono
Manuel Sapunga
Aitor Embela

Defenders

Esteban Orozco
Marvin Anieboh
Carlos Akapo
Saul Coco
Basilio Ndong
Michel Ngaah
Nestor Senra
Charles Ondo
Javier Mum

Midfielders

Jannick Buyla
Omar Mascarell
Pablo Ganet
Alex Masogo
Alex Balboa
José Machín
Pedro Obiang
Santiago Eneme

Forwards

Iban Salvador
Josete Miranda
Gael Akogo
José Nabil
Luismi Nlavo
Dorian Junior
Lorenzo Zúñiga
Emilio Nsue