Tuesday, July 21, 2026

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

“Football in Africa is different, it is more physical but there is no pressure.”

• January 13, 2024
Juan Michá and Jesús Owono
Juan Michá and Jesús Owono

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.

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