Emilio Nsue, the captain of Equatorial Guinea’s national team, has etched his name in the annals of African football history, unleashing a hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau in the second round of the AFCON 2023 group stage, hosted in Ivory Coast.
The 34-year-old player not only secured a remarkable personal achievement but also made significant contributions to his team’s journey in the tournament.
Nsue’s football journey took an unexpected turn in 2012 when, despite representing Spain in various age categories, he was left out of the Spanish squad for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
This pivotal moment spurred a radical shift in his career trajectory.
On Thursday, the seasoned player became the first in the history of Equatorial Guinea’s national team to score a hat-trick in the AFCON, an accomplishment that also made him the oldest player, at 34 years and 110 days, to find the net in the tournament.
Furthermore, he joined the ranks of distinguished players who achieved a similar feat, notably Sufian Al-Aloudi in 2008.
Emilio Nsue: A Glimpse into the Past
Commencing his professional career with Real Mallorca in Spain, Nsue navigated through various age groups before making significant appearances with the first team.
He played for notable clubs such as Real Sociedad in Spain and Birmingham and Middlesbrough in England, displaying versatility across positions, including right-back, midfielder, and outright striker.
Despite his African roots, Nsue initially represented Spain in various youth levels, winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2007 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2011.
However, he never made an appearance for the senior national team, expressing a desire to play for the squad that secured the UEFA Euro 2012 title.
Facing limited opportunities in the Spanish squad, Nsue embraced a new direction and decided to represent Equatorial Guinea from 2013 onward, despite the team’s modest achievements in African competitions.
Participating in his first AFCON in 2015, Nsue played a pivotal role in securing a fourth-place finish for Equatorial Guinea. In the last edition, he helped the team reach the quarter-finals.
As the all-time leading goal-scorer for his national team, nicknamed the “National Thunder,” Nsue has amassed 18 goals in 38 appearances, showcasing his enduring impact on the field.
The narrative of Emilio Nsue in the AFCON 2023 exemplifies resilience, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of success.
