Nicolas Pépé has revealed the emotional complexity behind his non-selection for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, explaining why he initially didn’t take calls from the coach.
The winger said the squad announcement was still raw when the coach reached out. “I didn’t answer. He called me twice, and I didn’t pick up. I wanted him to understand that there was no point in calling me at that moment because it was too fresh,” Pépé explained. He added that the coach respected his space and waited two days before discussing the situation.
According to Pépé, the reasons behind his omission were largely out of the coach’s hands. “Just a few minutes before announcing the list, I was still included in it,” he said. After learning the full context, Pépé accepted the decision, maintaining contact with both the coach and the president throughout the tournament.
The revelation gives insight into the human side of international football, where even top performers must navigate the emotional fallout of high-stakes squad selections. Pépé’s measured response demonstrates professionalism while acknowledging the personal disappointment of missing out on a major continental competition.