‘One of the best nights of my career’ – Nicolas Pepe revels in Ivory Coast heroics as Emerse Fae hails veteran after historic World Cup qualification

Nicolas Pepe produced a vintage display to inspire Ivory Coast into the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, with the veteran winger admitting it was “one of the best nights” of his career after scoring both goals in a landmark victory over Curacao.

The former Arsenal forward rolled back the years in New Jersey, delivering a match-winning performance that secured the Elephants’ place in the last 32 for the first time in the nation’s history.

Pepe fires Ivory Coast into the knockout rounds

Ivory Coast sealed second place in Group E with a convincing 2-0 victory over Curacao, ending any lingering qualification nerves in style.

Pepe opened the scoring after just seven minutes, converting from close range after excellent work from teenage sensation Yan Diomande to register the fastest World Cup goal ever scored by an Ivorian player.

The Villarreal attacker then wrapped up the victory midway through the second half, unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner to secure qualification with a game-defining performance.

Veteran dedicates memorable night to his teammates

Despite collecting the headlines, Pepe insisted the achievement belonged to the entire squad and praised his teammates for creating both goals.

Speaking to FIFA after the match, he said:

“Of course! I know I’ve got what it takes. This is the reward for all my hard work, and I hope it will continue in the upcoming matches too. My brace was down to the team as well.

“For the first goal, I just had to tap the ball in after some brilliant work from Yan; for the second, Ibra [Sangare] played a superb ball, and all I had to do was stay focused and score.

“I’d like to dedicate this trophy to the lads. It was one of the best nights of my career.”

Emerse Fae praises match-winning experience

Head coach Emerse Fae believes performances like Pepe’s underline exactly why the experienced winger remains such an important figure within the squad.

The Ivory Coast manager backed his veteran star to continue delivering in the pressure moments as the tournament enters its knockout phase.

“Nico knows it, and so do we: he’s a top-class player,” Fae said.

“He’s one of the players who need to help us win matches in these competitions. He has the ability and the experience to do so.

“Today, he scored two brilliant goals. It’s good for the team, and it’s good for him too.”

Youngsters embrace historic achievement

The victory also carried special significance for Ivory Coast’s emerging generation, who have helped write a new chapter in the country’s football history.

Midfield prospect Christ Inao Oulai paid tribute to Pepe’s leadership while reflecting on the squad’s historic qualification.

“Nico, everyone loves him!” Oulai said.

“Together, we’re writing a new chapter in our country’s football story, and we’re truly proud to be joining the big boys.”

Attention now turns to the round of 32, where Ivory Coast will face either France or Norway in what promises to be their toughest challenge of the tournament.

Looking ahead to the knockout tie, Oulai added:

“Personally, I’m excited because they’re both great footballing nations.”