Supporters in Africa were left divided with reports Karim Benzema could play for France in the 2022 Fifa World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday.
The 34-year-old Ballon d'Or winner has not featured for Les Bleus at the World Cup after he was withdrawn from the squad ahead of tournament kick-off because of a thigh injury but he was never replaced.
On Thursday, reports emerged Benzema will be available for the final but coach Didier Deschamps gave a cryptic response on Friday when asked if Benzema could feature.
The 54-year-old Deschamps replied "next question" and Benzema later went onto his Instagram page and wrote, "I'm not interested."
This has sparked debate in Africa with fans calling on Deschamps to stick with his team while another section opined Benzema deserves a bench role.