After more than a decade of uncertainty, Equatorial Guinea’s all-time top scorer, Emilio Nsue, has officially been cleared to play for the country by FIFA—just months after serving a controversial six-month ban.
From AFCON Hero to FIFA’s Ban List
Nsue, 35, had been the face of Equatorial Guinea’s national team since 2013, leading them through multiple Africa Cup of Nations campaigns and securing the Golden Boot at AFCON 2024.
But in May last year, FIFA ruled that Nsue was never properly cleared to switch allegiance from Spain, despite 43 caps for Equatorial Guinea.
The ruling saw FIFA:
Suspend Nsue for six months.
Forfeit two World Cup qualifying wins against Namibia and Liberia, awarding 3-0 losses.
Fine Equatorial Guinea 150,000 Swiss francs ($164,000, £129,000).
Despite having previously featured in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifiers without issue, Nsue was suddenly deemed ineligible, leaving Equatorial Guinea’s World Cup dreams in jeopardy.
FIFA Finally Overturns Decision After Key Evidence Emerges
On Wednesday, FIFA reversed its decision, officially approving Nsue’s eligibility after a second request from the Equatoguinean Football Federation (Feguifut).
Feguifut president Venancio Tomas Ndong Micha hailed the ruling:
“After so many years and months, we were able to show that Emilio was eligible. Finally, FIFA showed justice in this case.”
The breakthrough came after FIFA was presented with two crucial pieces of evidence:
Equatorial Guinea’s constitution: It states that anyone born to a citizen automatically holds nationality—making Nsue eligible from birth.
Nsue’s old Equatoguinean passport: A 2004 document proving he held nationality before representing Spain’s youth teams.
FIFA’s decision now raises a major question—will Equatorial Guinea be reinstated their six lost points in World Cup qualifying?
Nsue’s Return: Can Equatorial Guinea Revive Their World Cup Dream?
The nation had been in a strong position before the FIFA ruling, second in Group H with nine points from four games.
The punishment dropped them to second-bottom, severely denting their hopes of making a first-ever World Cup appearance.
Ndong Micha is now pushing for FIFA to return the points:
“Now that Emilio has been deemed eligible, I think the World Cup points should come back to us.”
Nsue is set to return in this month’s qualifiers, where Equatorial Guinea faces São Tomé and Príncipe at home, followed by an away clash against Namibia.
With only the group winner guaranteed a World Cup spot and four best runners-up advancing to the play-offs, Equatorial Guinea’s fate could hinge on FIFA’s next move.
Will they restore lost points, or will Nsue’s redemption come too late?
