AFCON 2023: Equatorial Guinea ready to beat Nigeria, says team coach

Ahead of their opening game against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Sunday, the head coach of the Elephants of Equatorial Guinea, Juan Michá, says the country’s objective is to achieve success at the African Cup of Nations.
During the pre-match press conference in Abidjan on Saturday, Michá said the team, which he described as a “family”, has prepared adequately and are ready to work together to achieve success at the tournament.
“First and foremost, we do not call it a team, we call it a family. So, we have conducted adequate preparation ahead of the tournament and we are expected to come together to achieve success at the tournament,” he said.
Speaking about the game against Nigeria tomorrow, Michá said: “We are proud to be here and we want to go further — we are playing one of the best teams in Africa and one of the favourites to win the tournament tomorrow,” he said about the Super Eagles.
However, he said: “We (Equatorial Guinea) have prepared well to record a win.”
Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper, Jesús Owono, who plays for Alaves in Spanish La Liga, said football in Africa is more difficult in Africa because it is more difficult compared to Europe but reiterated he is ready to stop the Nigeria forward line led by Victor Osimhen.
“Football in Africa is different, it is more physical but there is no pressure, no fear and I just want to enjoy the game tomorrow.
“I hope we do great things here and hope my friends and family enjoy and do my best to stop the Nigerian forward,” Owono said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lagos
NAFDAC intercepts two vegetable oil tankers carrying diesel in Lagos
NAFDAC described the act as a serious threat to public health and food safety.

Lagos
Nigerian diaspora doctors partner health institutions, stakeholders to advance healthcare
Mr Adeyemo assured the readiness of the hospital management to support the initiative in any possible way.

Abuja
Gwagwalada residents seek improved sports facilities to boost development
Residents of Gwagwalada in the FCT called for improved sports facilities, regular competitions, and investments in grassroots sports to boost youth development.

World
UNESCO demands global action to save world heritage
He said threats to world heritage include increasingly extreme weather events, natural disasters, deliberate attacks and growing human pressures.

NationWide
NADF inaugurates nationwide training of 1,884 extension agents
Mr Ibrahim said extension workers are central to improving agricultural productivity.

Heading 2
Tearful Lionel Scaloni pledges to honour Argentina contract after World Cup heartbreak
Scaloni has been the manager of the Argentina football team since 2018, and his current contract is set to expire in December.





