CAN 2024 : Nzalang Nacional takes a one million Euro bonus for killing elephants
In a surge of national celebration, Equatorial Guinea has rewarded its national team, Nzalang Nacional, with an exceptional bonus following their spectacular victory on Monday at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Ivory Coast, the host country, with a resounding score of 4-0.
Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema announced a bonus of 1 million euros for the team and coaching staff. Players, including Emilio Nsue (scorer of a brace) and Pablo Ganet (author of a superb free-kick), have been hailed as national heroes, leaving an indelible mark on one of the most glorious chapters in the country’s sporting history. In addition to the monetary bonus, the president also declared Tuesday, January 23, 2024, as a national public holiday, allowing the entire population to celebrate this historic victory.
Beyond this achievement against the host country, this demonstration had a taste of revenge: in 2012, Ivory Coast had eliminated Equatorial Guinea, the host country at the time, from its CAN at home (3-0 in the quarter-finals)! The Equatoguineans have now returned the favor to the Elephants, even though there is still hope for Ivory Coast to advance to the Round of 16 by finishing among the best third-placed teams.
Euphoria has spread throughout the country, with celebrations in the streets of Malabo, the capital, and other regions. This reward and national recognition are seen as a way to further motivate the team before their upcoming Round of 16 match. Equatorial Guinea continues its exceptional journey in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hinting at more sporting exploits to come.
With 7 points, Nzalang Nacional finished at the top of Group C. While Nigeria’s Super Eagles have the same number of points, their goal difference is lower (+2 vs. +6 for Equatorial Guinea), placing them in second. Quarter-finalists in the last edition and semi-finalists in 2015, Equatorial Guinea seems well-positioned to go far once again. They will approach the Round of 16 with full confidence.
