Equatorial Guinea’s record goalscorer, Emilio Nsue, has been officially cleared to play for his national team—more than a decade after making his senior debut for the country. FIFA’s decision overturns a previous ruling that deemed him ineligible, a move that cost the team crucial World Cup qualifying points. Now, with Nsue back in action, Equatorial Guinea is hoping to revive its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
FIFA’s Initial Ban on Nsue
In May 2024, FIFA stunned football fans by banning Nsue for six months and ruling that Equatorial Guinea had forfeited two World Cup qualifying victories. FIFA also imposed a 150,000 Swiss franc fine ($164,000, £129,000) on the country’s football federation (Feguifut) for fielding Nsue in the matches. The ruling was based on the claim that the former Spain youth international had never completed the proper paperwork to formalize his switch of allegiance.
The decision came as a shock, especially since Nsue had already played 43 matches for Equatorial Guinea, captained the team, and scored a record 22 goals. He had even won the golden boot at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. FIFA’s ruling led to the forfeiture of 3-0 wins against Namibia and Liberia, significantly damaging Equatorial Guinea’s World Cup hopes.
The Appeal and FIFA’s Reversal
Following Nsue’s ban, Feguifut immediately launched an appeal and worked to correct the procedural errors that had led to the ruling. The appeal succeeded in reducing the fine to 50,000 Swiss francs, with the remaining 100,000 francs suspended for two years.
A second request to change Nsue’s allegiance was submitted shortly after his ban ended—and this time, FIFA approved it. The key evidence in overturning the ruling included:
- A 2004 Equatoguinean passport, proving Nsue had nationality before playing for Spain’s youth teams.
- A statement from Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Justice, reinforcing that anyone born to an Equatoguinean parent is automatically a citizen at birth.
- Legal arguments from Feguifut’s lawyer, Paolo Torchetti, which clarified FIFA’s previous misinterpretation of Nsue’s eligibility.
Following FIFA’s decision, Feguifut president Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha expressed relief and satisfaction.
“FIFA’s decision has been very positive for us and for all the people of Equatorial Guinea. After so many years, we were able to show that Emilio was eligible, and finally, FIFA showed justice in this case.”
Nsue also celebrated the ruling, stating:
“I am overjoyed to be back with my national team and to compete for the flag and people of Equatorial Guinea. Now it is time to focus on our upcoming qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup, and hopefully, we can make every Equatoguinean proud.”
How Did This Happen?
Nsue, now 35 years old, previously represented Spain at youth level, playing nearly 50 times for their youth teams. In 2013, Feguifut first requested FIFA to change his allegiance but failed to complete the required paperwork before fielding him in two international matches.
Despite receiving no official approval, Nsue continued to play for Equatorial Guinea, even facing Spain in a friendly later that same year. He later participated in three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments without any issue—until FIFA’s surprise intervention in 2024.
The legal battle centered on FIFA’s old rules, which required players to have citizenship before appearing for another nation’s youth teams. Nsue’s 2004 passport proved he met this requirement, making FIFA’s initial ruling invalid.
World Cup Qualification: Can Equatorial Guinea Recover?
With Nsue back, Equatorial Guinea hopes to regain the six points lost due to FIFA’s previous ruling. The team had originally earned nine points in four matches, putting them second in Group H, before the deductions left them near the bottom.
Now, they will face São Tomé and Príncipe at home and Namibia away in their upcoming qualifiers. Only the group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, while four of the best second-placed teams will have a playoff opportunity.
Feguifut president Ndong Micha remains optimistic:
“Now that Emilio has been deemed eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea, I think the World Cup points should be coming back to us in the future. We want the six points as this will give us renewed hope as we fight to qualify.”
With Nsue’s eligibility secured, Equatorial Guinea’s World Cup dream is alive once again—but whether FIFA will restore their lost points remains uncertain. Regardless, with their star striker leading the charge, the team is ready to fight for its first-ever World Cup appearance.
