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Equatorial Guinea head coach, Juan Micha, has expressed his teams readiness for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening group fixture vs Nigeria.<\/p>\n
The Nzalang Nacional will begin their AFCON campaign when they face the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday, January 14, 2024.<\/p>\n
That encounter will be the first-ever meeting between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n
While the Super Eagles secured wins in their two previous encounters during the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Micha is optimistic about his team\u2019s chances in this tournament.<\/p>\n
In a pre-match press conference on Saturday, January 13, 2024, Coach Micha conveyed the team\u2019s ambition to perform well in the tournament and their eagerness to give their best on the field. Despite acknowledging Nigeria as one of the favorites, he emphasized that Equatorial Guinea has prepared extensively for the game and is ready to compete at the highest level.<\/p>\n
Micha also noted the potential challenges posed by Nigeria\u2019s missing players but asserted that his team is aware of opposition strength\u2019s and has prepared for the encounter.<\/p>\n
The Equatorial Guinea coach\u2019s statements reflect the confidence and determination within their camp as they gear up for their AFCON opener against the three-time champions, Nigeria.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have an ambition in this tournament, we want to win the tournament. We are aware of what to do, we want to give our best,\u201d Micha told a press conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a complicated game tomorrow, Nigeria are among the favourites but we we have prepared ourselves to be at the highest level.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have players missing and they have replacements, we are of Nigeria potential and we have our potentials too. We have prepared for the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the same press conference, Equatorial Guinea shot-stopper Jesus Owono acknowledged Nigeria will be a tough task despite injury reports from the Super Eagles camp.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s true that some of the Nigerian players are injured, but the players who have come in are also good,\u201d Owono said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also have our own injury problems too, so it\u2019s not just Nigeria.<\/p>\n
\u201cNigeria have good players in their team and playing against them is going to be a tough task for us.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n