Equatorial Guinea bids farewell to Juan Micha as new coach arrives

The Equatorial Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) has formally bid farewell to Juan Micha Obiang, bringing an end to his tenure as head coach of the national team and paving the way for the appointment of a new technical leader.

In a social media post, the federation thanked the 51-year-old for his years of service and highlighted the achievements recorded during his time in charge of the Nzalang Nacional. The message comes after FEGUIFUT decided against renewing Micha’s contract, which expired on August 14.

“GRACIAS POR ESTOS AÑOS JUAN MICHA 🇬🇶🤝🏾,” the federation posted, accompanied by a summary of the coach’s major achievements.

Micha is regarded as Equatorial Guinea’s most successful national team coach in recent years, having guided the side to three successive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2021, 2023 and 2025.

Three straight AFCON appearances

The coach’s most notable achievement came at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where Equatorial Guinea advanced to the quarter-finals. The Nzalang Nacional also finished top of their group at the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast.

Under Micha, Equatorial Guinea maintained their presence at Africa’s premier international competition by also qualifying for the 2025 edition in Morocco.

FEGUIFUT also highlighted Micha’s involvement in the country’s campaigns during the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying cycles, underlining the consistency he brought to the national team during his tenure.

Micha assumed responsibility for the senior side in March 2021 after a brief spell working with the country’s Under-17 team. His appointment ushered in a period of improved results and greater stability for the national team.

Contract ends after turbulent period

Despite his achievements, Micha’s final period in charge was marked by tension between the coach, players and federation.

In October 2025, Equatorial Guinea’s players failed to travel for a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Malawi. Following the incident, FEGUIFUT suspended Micha from national team duties until December.

The decision was subsequently reversed after senior players reportedly opposed the federation’s action and threatened to boycott the 2025 AFCON if Micha remained sidelined.

FEGUIFUT ultimately decided in June not to extend Micha’s contract, although the federation only publicly announced the decision on August 12, two days before his contract officially expired.

The governing body said its decision followed a “thorough technical, institutional and sporting evaluation” of the coach’s tenure.

New coach needed ahead of AFCON qualifiers

FEGUIFUT has now opened the door for a new coach to take charge of the national team as Equatorial Guinea prepare for another major qualifying campaign.

The federation is expected to appoint Micha’s successor before the September 2027 AFCON qualifiers begin. Equatorial Guinea have been drawn in Group E alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe.

The Nzalang Nacional will begin their campaign away against DR Congo before hosting Sierra Leone in their second fixture.

For Micha, his departure closes a chapter that saw Equatorial Guinea establish themselves as regular participants at the AFCON, while the federation’s farewell message formally marks the end of his time at the helm.