Emilio Nsue: AFCON 2023 'Goal King' Retires From Equatorial Guinea National Team

• Emilio Nsue has left the Equatorial Guinea national team
• Nsue captained the Nzalang Nacional at the 2023 AFCON
• He has previously called out his country's football body

Emilio Nsue has decided to hang up his boots on the international stage, announcing his retirement from the Equatorial Guinea national team shortly after a stellar performance at the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.

Finishing as the top scorer of the 34th edition of the AFCON, Nsue netted an impressive five goals throughout the tournament, outshining notable names like Victor Osimhen of Nigeria and Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund.

Nsue's outstanding AFCON performance

In each of Equatorial Guinea's four matches at the tournament, Nsue made significant contributions, including a memorable hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau and a brace against Ivory Coast during the group stage.

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His standout moment came with a sensational hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau, where his heroics made him the oldest player to achieve such a feat in the history of the continental competition, according to The Mirror.

However, despite his remarkable performance, Nsue faced scrutiny after missing a crucial penalty in the knockout phase, which ultimately contributed to Equatorial Guinea's elimination in the Round of 16.

Nsue's 'fight' with the Equatorial Guinean FA

Following the tournament, the 34-year-old found himself embroiled in controversy as reports surfaced of his indefinite suspension due to alleged episodes of 'serious indiscipline' during the AFCON tournament.

In response, Emilio took to social media, specifically Instagram Live, to make allegations against the Equatoguinean FA, accusing them of corruption and embezzlement of funds amounting to €1 million in fees and bonuses from CAF during the AFCON.

Nsue retires from national team duties

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Amid strained relations and mounting tension, Nsue has opted to bid farewell to the national team, marking the end of a prolific international career, according to a report filed by journalist, Owuraku Ampofo.

With 22 goals in 43 appearances, he leaves a legacy as the Nzalang Nacional's all-time top scorer, showcasing his prowess on the global stage despite controversy shrouding his final days with the team.

Nsue receives heroic welcome in Spain

Sports Brief earlier reported that star player from Equatorial Guinea, Nsue received a warm welcome on return to his club, CF Intercity, in Spain.

The 34-year-old, who emerged as the top scorer from the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, was greeted with enthusiasm.

Photos shared on social media captured Nsue receiving a special welcome as he posed with his teammates before rejoining team training.