Equatorial Guinea head coach, Juan Micha, concedes the imperative need for his team to deliver their optimum performance as they prepare to clash with Nigeria this Sunday.

The encounter is set to hold at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on January 14.

It is the first game for both sides in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with the star studded Nigerian team favorites, on paper.

However, Micha underscores the importance of avoiding defeat in their opening AFCON fixture.

Speaking ahead of the game Micha stressed the challenging task ahead for his squad.

“Facing Nigeria in the first match will not be easy,” the Equatorial Guinea coach said.

“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.”

Micha also listed Nigeria and another Group A opponent, Côte d’Ivoire among his favorites for the trophy.

“I think it is difficult to predict because there are Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and also Senegal. The former champion, Egypt and Morocco. So I will not predict who will be the champion, but we have to wait.”