Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe has opened up on his exclusion from the national team squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Despite Pepe’s impressive form for La Liga side Villarreal, the former Angers forward was dropped following a disrespectful comments about host nation Morocco in a podcast which caused a lot of disturbances in the media.

The 30-year-old was overlooked at the eleventh hour by head coach Emerse Fae with the ex-international explaining the reason for his omission to “off the field issues.”

Pepe, who has 53 caps and 11 goals for the Ivory Coast explained what transpired between him and head coach Emerse Fae in an interview with NCI Channel.

Nicolas Pepe was dropped at the eleventh hours

“The coach called me before his press conference. I didn’t answer. He called me twice, I didn’t answer.

“I wanted to make him understand that there was no point in calling me at that moment, because it was still raw: the list had just come out. So whatever he was going to tell me, it wasn’t going to go down well. It wasn’t the right time to talk,” Pepe told NCI.

“At that moment, he understood it too, because he had already told me before that we would see each other for the CAN. So he understood my reaction, didn’t insist, and I think we spoke again two days later.

“Then he explained to me the why and how. Basically, he made me understand that it wasn’t his doing, that it had gone beyond him and that just a few minutes before announcing the list, I was still on it. I said: OK, it’s done, it’s done. After that, I spoke with the President and I stayed in a bit of contact with the coach before they entered the competition.”

Nicolas Pepe was dropped from the AFCON squad alongside Monaco forward Simon Adingra with the Elephants exiting the tournament in Morocco at the quarter finals after losing to Egypt

The former Lille, Arsenal and Trabzonspor forward has an impressive record for Villarreal this season, playing 24 times with three goals and four assists to his name.

Nicolas Pepe AFCON 2025 Snub: Villarreal Winger Breaks Silence on Ivory Coast Omission

Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe has finally spoken out about his surprising exclusion from the national team squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco.

Despite enjoying a steady season with La Liga side Villarreal, the experienced forward was left out of the final squad list announced by head coach Emerse Fae. His omission raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, particularly given his international experience and current club form.

Nicolas Pepe AFCON 2025 Snub Sparks Debate

Pepe’s absence became one of the major talking points ahead of the tournament. Reports suggested that off-the-field controversies played a significant role in the decision.

The 30-year-old had reportedly made remarks during a podcast appearance that were interpreted as disrespectful toward host nation Morocco. The comments generated media controversy and reportedly influenced the final selection decision.

Speaking to NCI Channel, Pepe shed light on what happened behind the scenes.

The Missed Calls Before the Squad Announcement

The winger revealed that head coach Emerse Fae attempted to contact him shortly before publicly announcing the squad list.

“The coach called me before his press conference. I didn’t answer. He called me twice, I didn’t answer,” Pepe explained.

According to the former Arsenal and Lille forward, emotions were still raw when the list was released.

“I wanted to make him understand that there was no point in calling me at that moment, because it was still raw: the list had just come out. So whatever he was going to tell me, it wasn’t going to go down well. It wasn’t the right time to talk.”

Pepe admitted that the timing made communication difficult, but he later reconnected with the coach to gain clarity.

“Then he explained to me the why and how. Basically, he made me understand that it wasn’t his doing, that it had gone beyond him and that just a few minutes before announcing the list, I was still on it.”

Decision ‘Beyond the Coach’

The explanation suggests that external factors influenced the final squad selection.

Pepe stated that he accepted the decision after further discussions.

“I said: OK, it’s done, it’s done. After that, I spoke with the President and I stayed in a bit of contact with the coach before they entered the competition.”

The revelation indicates that administrative or federation-level considerations may have played a role in the final decision.

Tournament Outcome for Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast eventually exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage after losing to Egypt. The Elephants also dropped Monaco forward Simon Adingra from the squad, another surprising decision that sparked debate.

Some supporters argued that the team lacked depth and attacking variety — qualities Pepe has historically provided.

With 53 caps and 11 international goals, the winger remains one of the more experienced figures in Ivory Coast’s attacking ranks.

Strong Club Form with Villarreal

Despite the international setback, Pepe continues to impress at club level.

This season, he has made 24 appearances for Villarreal, contributing three goals and four assists. His experience, dribbling ability and versatility across the front line have kept him relevant in La Liga competition.

After spells with Angers, Lille, Arsenal and Trabzonspor, the Ivorian international has rebuilt his form in Spain.

His consistent performances have raised questions about whether he could earn a recall ahead of future international competitions.