Ivory Coast national team head coach Emerse Faé has defended his decision to omit Nicolas Pépé and Simon Adingra from the squad for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to Faé, the absence of both players was due to a combination of sporting and non-sporting factors considered during the selection process.
Explaining Pépé’s omission, Faé stated that the decision was not related to the player’s on-field performance, noting that he would have been selected based solely on sporting merit. However, the coach indicated that off-the-pitch issues influenced the decision, though he did not disclose specific details.
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“If we were to consider only the sporting aspect, he (Pépé) would be with us. To make a list, you have to take into account many factors, both on and off the field. All these factors led to Nico not being on the list,” he told the media, as reported by AfricaSoccer.com.
The 41-year-old former Côte d’Ivoire midfielder also addressed the exclusion of Simon Adingra, who plays for Sunderland, explaining that the winger’s limited playing time at club level was the main reason. Faé noted that, due to the competitive nature of the squad, he decided to give opportunities to other players, as Adingra’s reduced minutes had affected his form.
“Simon is struggling to earn a starting spot at Sunderland. We had to do without his qualities when making our selection,” he said.
Both players played an integral role in Ivory Coast’s triumph at the 2023 AFCON.
The Ivorians will begin their title defence in Group F, where they will face Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in the battle for a place in the knockout stages.
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