Angers SCO striker Ibrahima Niane was omitted from the squad for the Ligue 1 fixture against Lille on Sunday, April 27, following a training ground altercation that has cast uncertainty over his future at the club.
During a training session on the eve of the match, Niane executed a poorly timed tackle on teammate Florent Hanin, resulting in heightened tensions among the players.
Hanin remained on the ground momentarily, while Niane, visibly frustrated, did not immediately check on his teammate’s condition.
The situation necessitated intervention from fellow player Abdoulaye Bamba to restore calm.
Subsequently, Niane engaged in a discussion with head coach Alexandre Dujeux, reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with his limited playing time in recent weeks.
Following this exchange, Dujeux made the decision to exclude Niane from the 20-man squad for the match against Lille, opting instead to include young forward Prosper Peter.
Niane’s exclusion comes at a critical juncture for Angers, who are striving to secure their position in Ligue 1 amidst a challenging season.
The Senegalese forward, whose contract is set to expire in June, has contributed three goals and one assist this season.
His absence from the squad underscores the importance of maintaining discipline and cohesion within the team as they navigate the pressures of top-flight football.
The incident raises questions about Niane’s role in the squad moving forward, especially as the club faces crucial fixtures in their battle against relegation.
With his contract nearing its end, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining both his and the club’s future trajectory.
