Ivory Coast star Nicolas Pepe opens up on shock AFCON 2025 snub

Ivory Coast star Nicolas Pepe has broken his silence following his exclusion from the Elephants squad for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.

Despite being on top form at Villarreal, the enterprising attacker was omitted from the Elephants squad for the tournament, which ran from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

According to Pepe, he was initially included in the list for the continental showpiece before being excluded minutes after the official announcement of the squad, sparking confusion and debate among fans back home.

Recalling the tense moments leading up to the squad release, Pepe explained that Faé had tried to reach out to him ahead of a press conference.

“When the coach called, I didn’t answer. He called twice, but I felt it wasn’t the right moment to talk. The list had just been released, and it was a heated situation,” Pepe said.

Pepe added that the coach later clarified the situation, emphasizing that the last-minute decision was beyond his control.

“He explained the ins and outs. Basically, it wasn’t his fault, and just a few minutes before the list was announced, I was still on it. I said, ‘Okay, what’s done is done.’”

Following the discussion, Pepe maintained communication with both the coach and the Ivorian Football Federation president, staying in touch even as the team entered the competition.

The revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes drama and the fine margins that can define international football, leaving fans to wonder how things might have turned out had Pepe been included.