Jamie Carragher has faced significant backlash for his recent comments about the Africa Cup of Nations, which many have found to be dismissive and disrespectful.
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The former Liverpool defender suggested that AFCON does not hold the same prestige as other major international tournaments, implying that Mohamed Salah’s participation with Egypt in the competition reduces his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or compared to players competing in the European Championship or World Cup. ..Continue Reading
Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge were quick to challenge Carragher’s view, asserting that AFCON is just as important as the Euros and World Cup. However, Carragher’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism from football figures and fans alike.
One of the most recent critics is former Nigerian international Mikel John Obi, who vehemently disagreed with Carragher’s stance.
On The Obi One Podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder did not hold back, calling out Carragher for demeaning a tournament that is highly significant in African football.
Mikel pointed out that Carragher has never won a Premier League title or a major international competition with England, making his dismissal of AFCON particularly unfounded.
He further emphasized the difficulty of winning an international tournament, highlighting that Carragher’s comments demonstrated a lack of appreciation for the effort required to achieve such success.
In a fiery tirade, he said:
“The Africa Cup of Nations is as big [as the Euros], I’ve played in it and won it. It’s not in his f—–g place to discredit the AFCON. He sits there week in, week out teaching and coaching people on how to win the Premier League and he never won it!”
“He can f— off! He’s never won the league. He analyses teams and tells them how to win it but you’ve never won it. You don’t know what it takes to win the f——g Premier League”
The criticism extended beyond Mikel, as Rio Ferdinand also took issue with Carragher’s comments, calling them “ignorant” and reaffirming AFCON’s prestigious status.
In response to the backlash, Carragher clarified his remarks, explaining that he did not intend to undermine AFCON but was highlighting a perceived bias in Ballon d’Or voting, which he believes favors players in European tournaments.
Despite being one of the most competitive international tournaments, AFCON often receives less media coverage compared to other global events.
Nevertheless, the level of competition is intense, with nations like Algeria, Senegal, Egypt, and Ivory Coast featuring top-class squads.
The tournament also serves as a platform for African stars to showcase their talent on the global stage, securing moves to top European clubs.
Carragher’s comments may have been poorly expressed rather than intentionally dismissive, but they have ignited an important conversation about the perception of African football on the world stage.
AFCON is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of African football excellence, rich in history and significance.
As football becomes increasingly global, it is essential to give AFCON the respect it deserves. Just like the Euros, Copa America, and the World Cup, AFCON shapes footballing legacies.
