Nicolas Pepe's Comeback to Ivory Coast Squad Amid Controversies

Ivory Coast striker Nicolas Pepe rejoined the national team after teenage striker Yann Diomande was injured. Pepe, omitted from previous tournaments, had sparked controversy with comments on Morocco's Cup of Nations record but has since apologized. Ivory Coast is set to face teams like Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao in the World Cup.

Nicolas Pepe, the Ivory Coast striker, makes a notable return to the national squad following the injury of young striker Yann Diomande. Diomande's absence due to injury opened the door for Pepe, who had initially been excluded from the squad preparing for World Cup warm-up matches against South Korea and Scotland this March.

The seasoned 30-year-old, who has previously played for Arsenal and currently scores for Villarreal in LaLiga, was also absent from the Africa Cup of Nations held earlier in Morocco. During that tournament, the Ivory Coast team, who were defending champions, were ousted in the quarter-finals.

Pepé stirred controversy late last year due to remarks about Morocco's performance history in the Cup of Nations, prompting a backlash and accusations of racial abuse against him. He has since apologized, claiming inadequate support from the Ivorian football federation. Ivory Coast is aligned in World Cup Group E alongside Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao.

(With inputs from agencies.)