After he had already lived for the requested years in France, Otokoré was eligible to represent France internationally, being summoned for its "Espoirs" in February 1988; however, a judicial battle between both Football Federations ensued, and the player ended up playing for the Ivory Coast; in his first match, at the 1988 African Cup of Nations, on March 16, against Zaire, he played 60 minutes, being immediately sent home afterwards.