Villarreal’s Nicolas Pepe celebrates a goal during the LaLiga soccer match between Villarreal CF and RCD Espanyol in Villarreal, Spain, 09 February 2026. EPA/ANDREU ESTEBAN
Monday Mar 23, 2026. 11:16
Nicolas Pépé is back in the Côte d’Ivoire national team squad after being called up as an injury replacement.
This is according to a statement released by the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) on Monday via its social media channels.
The former Arsenal winger was not originally named in coach Emerse Faé’s squad for the nation’s upcoming international friendlies against South Korea and Scotland, but has been called upon to replace RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomandé.
Diomandé played a key role in Leipzig’s 5-0 thrashing of Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Friday, providing the assist for Brajan Gruda’s goal and his side’s fourth of the game in the 44th minute.
The 19-year-old, who has already racked up nine senior caps for the Elephants, was forced off in the 66th minute and has had to withdraw from the Ivorian squad due to a shoulder injury.
Pépé, who was left out of Faé’s squad for the recent 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, returns to replace the youngster. He has bagged five goals, including two in his last two La Liga appearances, and four assists in the Spanish top flight for Villarreal this season.
He last played for the Elephants in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya in October.
Côte d’Ivoire have been drawn in group E for the upcoming global showpiece, alongside Germany, Curaçao and Ecuador.
In preparation, the Elephants will face South Korea on Saturday at the Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England, before turning their attention to Scotland, whom they will play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Everton, England, the following Tuesday.
By Nic Gleeson