Coach Juan Micha is targeting a win for Equatorial Guinea when they begin their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations with a clash against Nigeria.
Micha has made a strong, positive statement as his side come face-to-face with Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Sunday, January 14th at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Equatorial Guinea are making their fourth appearance at the continental championship, while Nigeria are one of the regulars at the AFCON.
Despite the huge difference between both sides, the Equatoguinean coach is optimistic of getting favorable result, while stressing the importance of not losing their opening match.
“Facing Nigeria in the first match will not be easy. They have a strong team and have reached a high level of technical capabilities, so we will try to confront them with all our strength, and it is important that we start the first match without losing,” he said on Filgoal.
He also talked about how difficult Group A is, which has hosts Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, but maintained his players are prepared for the task ahead.
“Our group is difficult. There is Côte d’Ivoire, the owner of the land and the stadium, and Nigeria as well, and Guinea Bissau, but if you want to qualify, you must face all the difficulties that you are playing against, and try to overcome them.
He continued, “I cannot predict what will happen, but I promise everyone that we will give everything we have and play our way.”
Equatorial Guinea finished fourth at the 2015 edition of the Nations Cup and lost out to eventual winners Senegal in the quarterfinals of the 2021 finals.
