Nicolas Pepe Targeted Racial Abuse on AFCON-Winning Post, Cameroon Player Shows Support

As we approach 2026, there are still a few in the world who are travelling back to the Stone Age. With trivial mindsets, they are still fuelling racism in football. Nicolas Pepe, the Villarreal player, has been the subject of racism for a harmless joke. Nicolas Pepe racial abuse isn't something to be taken lightly, as it's not the first time that an African footballer has faced such offensive remarks. Culprits need to be identified, and stringent action must be taken.

Nicolas Pepe Racist Comments

Nicolas Pepe shared his views on Morocco in a candid interview in a harmless way. He joked that the Atlas Lions had not won AFCON in a long time and did not have a big star. Instead of arguing with facts, a few resorted to Nicolas Pepe racial abuse.

The hooligans filed an Instagram post with Nicolas Pepe racist comments. There were vile emojis and GIFs in his comment section, and it drew the footballer's attention. Pepe was extremely disappointed and expressed his disbelief on his Instagram stories.

Cameroon Footballer Paul-Arnold Garita Voices Concerns

A prominent Cameroonian football player, Paul-Arnold Garita, came to Pepe's aid. The Be'er Sheva forward posted a story in Pepe's solidarity, and it was eventually reshared by the ex-Arsenal winger. Athletes Centre, Lille, another top sports organisation, too, posted in Pepe's support.

Racism in football has been a severe issue. It has been predominant in Italian and Spanish football with occasional glimpses in Germany and England. Pepe has a strong support system around him and has to rise past the recent Nicolas Pepe racial abuse hate scandal.