Equatorial Guinea Sacks Coach, Players Over World Cup Qualifier Boycott

Equatorial Guinea Coach fired amid World Cup Qualifier controversy

Equatorial Guinea's football team faces possible FIFA sanctions after coach Juan Micha and several key players were sacked over a strike that led to the team's absence from a World Cup qualifier.

“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...”

Equatorial Guinea's football team faces possible FIFA sanctions after coach Juan Micha and several key players were sacked over a strike that led to the team's absence from a World Cup qualifier.

Equatorial Guinea's football team has been thrown into turmoil after coach Juan Micha was sacked and several key players were dismissed due to a strike that led to the team's absence from a World Cup qualifier against Malawi. The team, now under interim coach Casto Nopo, faces possible sanctions from FIFA.

The players, including veteran captain Emilio Nsue, refused to travel to Malawi, citing poor conditions and unpaid allowances. As a result, they have been removed from the squad for the upcoming match against Liberia. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation has given players an ultimatum: sign up to continue defending their country or be deemed to have opted out.

The team's coach, Micha, was dismissed from the squad after key players refused to travel for their penultimate group qualifier, citing grievances over conditions and financial compensation. This decision was announced by the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation via a social media post, which also confirmed that some players were removed from the squad.

“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,” the statement added.

“Otherwise, anyone who doesn't do so will be deemed to have opted out and will no longer be part of the national team.”

A new squad has been announced for Monday's match, led by interim coach Casto Nopo. Notably, several players from the previous Cup of Nations squad are absent, including those who played a crucial role in the team's stunning 4-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast in the group phase.

The 4-0 victory over Ivory Coast was a major upset, with Emilio Nsue scoring a brace and Pablo Ganet and Jannick Buyla adding to the scoreline. This win followed a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their opening fixture, showcasing Equatorial Guinea's impressive form in the tournament.

Equatorial Guinea topped the group standings, surpassing the two heavyweights, but their journey was cut short in the last 16 when Guinea scored a late winner to eliminate them. Despite this setback, the team has secured a spot in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled to kick off on December 21. Unfortunately, they won't be participating in the World Cup next year, as they didn't make the cut.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will feature Equatorial Guinea, who qualified after Togo's defeat. They join other qualified teams like Morocco, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, and more in the highly anticipated tournament. The 2025 AFCON is set to be an exciting event, with many top African teams competing for the championship.