By Eleuterio Ekobo
Malabo, August 14, 2024 — Juan Micha, the beloved coach of Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nacional, has officially extended his contract with the Equatoguinean Football Federation (FEGUIFUT). The signing ceremony took place today at the headquarters of the nation’s football governing body.
Micha, widely regarded as the most cherished coach in the team’s history, has agreed to a two-year extension. While specific details regarding the contract’s renewability and potential conditions for further extensions were not disclosed, this announcement puts an end to months of speculation.
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The renewal comes as a relief to many who view Micha as the architect of the team’s recent successes. “No other coach in the world deserves this renewal more than he does,” remarked a passionate fan. “He has achieved things that haven’t been seen in over 20 years. His project is so strong that it has even brought players like Omar Mascarrell, who were once reluctant, into the fold.”
Following Equatorial Guinea’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Côte d’Ivoire, Micha received several lucrative offers from other clubs. However, he chose to remain loyal to his national team. “I’m not doing this for the money,” Micha asserted when asked about potential improvements in the renewal terms. “I believe the financial terms remain the same, around 30 million. But that’s not why I signed. I do it because this is my country; it needs me, and I’m here to ensure that all the team’s supporters continue to enjoy the journey.”
Micha reflected on his journey with the national team, saying, “I’ve been motivated since the day I took charge of the national team. I’ve worked tirelessly to elevate our team to the highest levels of competition. To continue this work is a great honor for me.”
This extension marks a significant milestone for both Micha and the Nzalang Nacional as they look forward to building on the foundation he has established.