Nicolas Pépé keeps Ivory Coast future uncertain after AFCON response

Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pépé has cast doubt over his international future after refusing to confirm whether he will continue representing the Elephants.

The Villarreal attacker addressed questions from supporters during a session on his Snapchat account, where he responded to several topics, including his plans with the national team.

Pépé appeared to rule out taking part in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after giving a clear “no” when asked if he expected to feature in the tournament. However, the former Arsenal player later left uncertainty over whether he would retire from international football.

When another fan asked about the possibility of ending his Ivory Coast career, Pépé replied: “We’ll see.”

The 31-year-old’s comments have increased speculation over his next step with the national side, although he has not officially announced a decision regarding his international career.

Pépé’s relationship with the Elephants has faced challenges in recent years. The forward was left out of Ivory Coast’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with reports stating that the decision was made for “non-sporting reasons.”

He had faced criticism following comments made during an interview shortly before the tournament, which contributed to his omission from the squad.

Despite that setback, Pépé returned to the national team setup and was selected for Ivory Coast’s 2026 World Cup squad, giving him another opportunity to contribute on the international stage.

The winger has been an important figure for Ivory Coast over the years, having played a role in the country’s recent campaigns. However, his latest comments suggest that his long-term involvement with the national team remains undecided.

With the 2027 AFCON approaching, questions remain over whether Pépé will continue his international career or decide to step away from the Elephants.

For now, the Villarreal player has kept his plans private, with his response of “We’ll see” leaving supporters waiting for a clearer decision about his future with Ivory Coast.

The coming months could determine whether Pépé adds more appearances to his international record or brings an end to his time representing the national team.