AFCON 2023 highest goalscorer returns as Equatorial Guinea names 2025 squad

Emilio Nsue Returns as Equatorial Guinea Name AFCON 2025 Squad

AFCON 2023’s top scorer, Emilio Nsue, has made a dramatic return to African football’s biggest stage after being named in Equatorial Guinea’s squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Following months of controversy surrounding his international future, Nsue has been recalled by head coach Juan Michà, who has unveiled his final 28-man squad as Nzalang Nacional prepare for another ambitious AFCON campaign in Morocco.

Nsue’s Comeback After Controversy

Nsue’s inclusion comes after the eligibility scandal that followed AFCON 2023, where Equatorial Guinea were later sanctioned for fielding the forward in competitive matches amid unresolved nationality clearance issues. While the controversy overshadowed what was an outstanding individual tournament one that saw Nsue finish as the competition’s highest goalscorer it also cast serious doubt over his future involvement with the national team.

Against that backdrop, his return has raised eyebrows across the African football landscape. However, Michà appears ready to move past the episode, placing trust in Nsue’s leadership, experience, and proven impact at major tournaments as Equatorial Guinea look to build continuity and momentum.

A Balanced Squad With European Influence

The squad selected for AFCON 2025 reflects a careful blend of experience, leadership, and a strong European-based contingent. Equatorial Guinea have quietly established themselves as one of the tournament’s most organised and disciplined sides, reaching the quarter-finals in three of their last four AFCON appearances a record that commands respect.

With stability at the core of the team and renewed belief in key figures like Nsue, expectations are once again rising ahead of the Morocco-hosted tournament.

Equatorial Guinea Squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers

• Jesús Owono (FC Andorra, Spain)

• Manuel Sapunga (Sekhukhune United, South Africa)

• Aitor Embela (CD Soneja, Spain)

Defenders

• Esteban Orozco (FC Argeș, Romania)

• Marvin Anieboh (UD San Sebastián, Spain)

• Carlos Akapo (Amazonas FC, Brazil)

• Saúl Coco (Torino FC, Italy)

• Basilio Ndong (FC U Craiova, Romania)

• Michel Ngaah (Real Ávila, Spain)

• Néstor Senra (Recreativo Huelva, Spain)

• Charles Ondo (Huddersfield Town, England)

• Javier Muma (Maestro United, Zambia)

Midfielders

• Omar Mascarell (RCD Mallorca, Spain)

• Pablo Ganet (Real Murcia, Spain)

• Alex Balboa (Almere City, Netherlands)

• Alex Masogo (Beroe Stara Zagora, Bulgaria)

• José Machín (FC Cartagena, Spain)

• Pedro Obiang (AC Monza, Italy)

• Santiago Eneme (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic)

Forwards

• Iban Salvador (Wisła Płock, Poland)

• Josete Miranda (Kalamata FC, Greece)

• Gael Akogo (Recreativo Granada, Spain)

• José Nabil (FC Nantes, France)

• Luismi Nvalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China)

• Dorian Junior (Viborg, Denmark)

• Loren Zúñiga (Real Madrid, Spain)

• Emilio Nsue (CF Intercity, Spain)

Looking Ahead

With Nsue back in the fold and a well-balanced squad at his disposal, Juan Michà will be hoping Equatorial Guinea can once again defy expectations and make a deep run at AFCON 2025. Whether Nsue’s return becomes a story of redemption or renewed controversy remains to be seen, but his presence ensures all eyes will be firmly on Nzalang Nacional in Morocco.