FIFA Lifts Suspension on Emilio Nsue, Allowing Equatorial Guinea Captain to Return to Action

Emilio Nsue, the captain of Equatorial Guinea’s national football team, is set to make his long-awaited return to international football after FIFA lifted the six-month suspension imposed on him in May 2024. The 35-year-old forward had been banned from representing his country after violating eligibility protocols during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where he was awarded the tournament’s most prolific scorer honor.

FIFA’s decision to ban Nsue was not the first time the veteran player had faced eligibility issues. Back in 2013, Nsue was also charged with violating FIFA’s eligibility rules, which had previously seen him sidelined for international duties. The most recent suspension came after he played a pivotal role in Equatorial Guinea’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring in consecutive 1-0 victories against Liberia and Namibia. However, following the suspension, the results of these matches were changed to 3-0 walkover wins for the opposition, as Nsue was deemed ineligible for participation.

Despite the controversy surrounding his ban, there is now positive news for Nsue and the Equatorial Guinean football community. According to reports from AfricaSoccer.com, FIFA has approved a request from the Equatorial Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) to allow Nsue to change his association. This approval means the forward will now be eligible to represent his country once again.

FEGUIFUT is also taking steps to challenge the verdict from the World Cup qualifiers, as the federation seeks to have the results of the affected matches overturned. They are reportedly planning to bring the case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in hopes of reinstating the wins that were stripped from their record.

Nsue’s return will be a significant boost for the Nzalang Nacional as they continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His leadership and goal-scoring ability have been key assets for the team, and his reactivation will bring experience and strength to the national squad. Fans of the Equatorial Guinea national team will now look forward to seeing their captain back on the pitch and representing his country once again after a tumultuous period.