Nicolas Pépé Leaves Ivory Coast National Team Due to Family Reasons

Here’s the explanation behind the situation that forced Villarreal forward Nicolas Pépé to leave the Ivory Coast national team during this international break.

Nicolas Pépé Leaves Ivory Coast Camp After Somalia Match in 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

Nicolas Pépé was given permission to leave the Ivory Coast national team camp after 2027 AFCON Qualifiers for family reasons, the Ivorian Football Federation confirmed.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The forward left the squad after the match against Somalia to be with his wife, who was due to give birth.

The decision was made with the approval of national team head coach Hervé Renard and in agreement with the coaching staff. As a result, Pépé will not remain with the Elephants for the rest of this international window.

He therefore missed Ivory Coast’s friendly against Cameroon on Saturday, October 3.

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DETAILS PROVIDED BY THE FEDERATION

The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that Nicolas Pépé was granted special permission to leave the national team camp after Ivory Coast’s most recent match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This explains his absence from the match against the Indomitable Lions.

The federation also used its statement to send its best wishes to Pépé and his wife ahead of the arrival of their new family member.

“The Ivorian Football Federation informs the media and the public that, with the authorization of national team head coach Hervé Renard, player Nicolas Pépé was exceptionally authorized to leave the Elephants squad after the match against Somalia to join his wife, who is about to give birth.

“This decision, made in agreement with the technical staff, is due to family and personal reasons.

“The Ivorian Football Federation extends its best wishes for happiness to Nicolas Pépé and his wife and wishes them all the best for this happy occasion.”

WHO IS NICOLAS PÉPÉ?

The 31-year-old forward is one of Ivory Coast’s most experienced players. His career has included spells with clubs in France, England, Spain and Turkey, as well as a lengthy run with the national team.

Pépé has represented Ivory Coast since 2016 and has featured in major international competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, where he was part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2023. He was also one of the notable absentees from AFCON 2025.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM NICOLAS PÉPÉ'S ABSENCE

Nicolas Pépé left the Ivory Coast camp for family reasons.
The forward received authorization from Hervé Renard to be with his wife, who is due to give birth.
His departure came after the match against Somalia and was backed by the Ivorian Football Federation.