Equatorial Guinean player, Emilio Nsue López, has solidified his status as the highest goal scorer in the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 first-round matches.
The 34-year-old footballer, who captains the Equatorial Guinea national team, scored an impressive five goals in two games, securing Equatorial Guinea’s spot in the round of 16 in the ongoing continental tournament in Ivory Coast.
Nsue, known for his dynamic playing style, primarily operates as a right-back but also exhibits prowess as a winger.
He first gained a spotlight at the ongoing AFCON on match day two, when he scored the first AFCON hat-trick since 2008.
His contributions were instrumental in guiding Equatorial Guinea through the challenging group stage, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
The seasoned player began his career at Mallorca, where he played in 153 competitive games across four La Liga seasons.
Nsue’s journey also included stints at English club Middlesbrough and Birmingham City before venturing into Cypriot football with APOEL and Apollon Limassol. In a surprising move, he joined Bosnian Premier League club Tuzla City in 2022.
Nsue’s international journey is equally compelling. Born in Spain to an Equatoguinean father and a Spanish mother, he initially represented Spain at youth levels, winning European championships at under-19 and under-21 levels.
However, in 2013, he made the pivotal decision to debut for Equatorial Guinea’s senior team, following a commitment to the Equatoguinean Football Federation.
His impact on the field was evident early on after he scored a hat-trick in a 4–3 victory over Cape Verde in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Despite FIFA later declaring him ineligible for that match and its return fixture, Nsue continued to captain Equatorial Guinea, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nsue’s recent feat in the 2023 AFCON further cements his legacy.
As the first player to score a hat-trick in the Cup of Nations since 2008, he achieved this milestone by netting three goals against Guinea-Bissau on January 18.
Equatorial Guinea’s national team, under Nsue’s leadership, is now set to face Guinea on January 28 in the round of 16.
