Nicolas Pepe's Sister After Ivory Coast Exclusion: "My Brother Was Filming a Video, Then Things Turned Against Him... He Apologized Even Though He's the Victim!"

Corine Pepe, sister of Ivorian international Nicolas Pepe, has defended her brother following his exclusion from the "Elephants" squad for the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025". She described the Villarreal player as a "victim".

Pepe's sister posted a message on her Instagram story, stating: "He was filming a video, naturally, relaxed and calm, then it was turned against him? He apologized even though he is the victim! But since he was going to Morocco, it was better to do that, wasn't it?"

She added: "After being subjected to racism and hatred, just because of a video, now he is the one being punished? He is the one being pointed at. My brother chose the national team when he was 18 years old and has always represented his country with pride."

She concluded: "He never spoke online, never filmed videos, and never chased fame. He is just PlayStation, football, family, and peace. Today, you laugh or talk normally, and it becomes a tragedy. It's better to stay in your corner."