Ilaix Moriba has become the focus of a dispute with Guinea manager Paulo Duarte after the midfielder missed the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Eritrea.
Guinea won the match 2-1, but Duarte expressed his frustration at a news conference, according to reports. The Portuguese coach said Moriba had wanted to take the number 10 shirt, which has been assigned to another Guinea international for the past two years.
Duarte questioned why the shirt number should be important to a player representing his country. He referred to football greats including Diego Maradona and Zico before challenging Moriba’s right to demand the number.
The manager also accused the 23-year-old of having an excessive ego. He said an international player’s priorities should be improving on the pitch, serving his club and representing his country with dignity.
Moriba has won 26 caps for Guinea since making his debut in January 2022.
However, the midfielder’s representatives have offered a different explanation for his absence. Statements reported by RMC Sport said the decision was agreed between Guinea’s medical staff and those at Celta Vigo, where Moriba plays in Spain.
His camp said he had been suffering from persistent physical problems while also dealing with a heavy run of matches for his club. It categorically denied that he had asked to be left out because of the shirt number and said there was no connection between his absence and any personal demand.
That account conflicts with Duarte’s version of events and leaves a disagreement over why Moriba did not join the Guinea squad.
The midfielder returned to international duty last September in Guinea’s defeat by South Africa, having previously endured a lengthy spell without appearing for his country.
Duarte facing wider selection issues
The dispute comes as Duarte also manages several cases involving dual-national players. He said he had approached young footballers based in Europe, including Alphadjo Cisse of AC Milan and Bambase Conte of Hoffenheim.
According to the manager, both players turned down the opportunity to represent Guinea, choosing Italy and other sporting options respectively.
Duarte did, however, say that Moriba had told him he was injured. Mohamed Cherif Haidara was subsequently called up to replace him for the two matches against Eritrea.
Guinea are second in Group D with six points from three matches, according to the published standings. The Syli national will face Eritrea again in the return fixture next Monday.
Moriba will remain in Spain, while the contrasting statements from Duarte and the player’s representatives have raised questions over the future of his relationship with the Guinea national team.
