Equatorial Guinea name Super Eagles-eligible LB in AFCON squad; Urhobo descent Anieboh also called up

Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Michá Obiang has announced a 27-man roster for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a Super Eagles-eligible player part of the group.  

Versatile Huddersfield Town left-back Charles Ondo is in line to become cap-tied to Equatorial Guinea when they face Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations opener at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan on January 14.

Born in the Spanish capital Madrid, Ondo is eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his father, Equatorial Guinea where his mother originally hails from, and England where he grew up. 

Should he feature against the Super Eagles, the 20-year-old would no longer be eligible to play international football for Spain, Nigeria and England. 

Ondo has been named in six matchday squads for Equatorial Guinea's national team and played his first competitive game for the Nzalang Nacional in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, where he came off the bench for the last five minutes. 

According to Fifa regulations, a player under the age of 21 who has dual nationality cannot switch national team if he has participated in an international tournament, such as the World Cup, European Championships or Africa Cup of Nations.

Born in Madrid to a father who hails from the Urhobo-speaking tribe of Nigeria and an Equatoguinean mother, CD Illescas central defender Marvin Anieboh has also been named in the Equatorial Guinea squad.

The 26-year-old has played in eleven matches for Equatorial Guinea, including ten starts. 

Equatorial Guinea 27-man AFCON squad

Goalkeepers: Jesus Lazaro Owono, Manuel Sapunga, Aitor Mbela Gil

Defenders: Basilio Ndong Owono, Carlos Akapo Martinez, Hugo Buyla Sam, Charles Ondo, Saúl Basilio Coco, Marvin Anieboh, Nestor Senra, José Elo Ayeto, Esteban Orozco

Midfielders : Yannick Buyla, Luis Miguel Nlavo, Alex Balboa Banderas, Federico Bikoro, Iban Salvador Edu, José Machin Dicombo, Santiago Eneme Bocari, José Miranda Boacho, Pablo Ganet Comitre, Federico Nguema

Strikers: Noe Nsue Ela, Emilio Nsue Lopez, Salomon Asumu Obama, Oscar Siafa, José Nabil Ondo

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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