Jamie Carragher has discovered himself below fireplace following his current feedback concerning the Africa Cup of Nations, which many understand as dismissive and disrespectful.
The previous Liverpool defender steered that AFCON doesn’t carry the identical weight as different main worldwide tournaments, implying that Mohamed Salah’s participation with Egypt within the competitors diminishes his probabilities of successful the Ballon d’Or in comparison with gamers that includes within the European Championship or World Cup.
Each Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge had been fast to problem Carragher’s declare, insisting that AFCON holds the identical significance because the Euros and World Cup. Nevertheless, his remarks have sparked widespread criticism from soccer figures and followers alike.
Among the many newest to slam Carragher’s feedback is former Nigerian worldwide Mikel John Obi, who strongly criticised the pundit’s stance.
Mikel John Obi brutally slams Jamie Carragher for his feedback on AFCON
Talking on The Obi One Podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder didn’t maintain again, calling out Carragher for belittling a event that holds nice significance in African soccer.
Mikel identified that Carragher has by no means received a Premier League title or a significant worldwide competitors with England, making his dismissal of AFCON significantly unfounded.
He additional emphasised the challenges of successful a global event, stressing that Carragher’s feedback mirrored a scarcity of appreciation for the trouble required to realize such success.
In a brutal X-rated rant, he stated:
“The Africa Cup of Nations is as huge [as the Euros], I’ve performed in it and received it. It’s not in his f—–g place to discredit the AFCON. He sits there week in, week out educating and training folks on find out how to win the Premier League and he by no means received it!”
“He can f— off! He’s by no means received the league. He analyses groups and tells them find out how to win it however you’ve by no means received it. You don’t know what it takes to win the f——g Premier League”
The backlash prolonged past Mikel, with Rio Ferdinand additionally criticised Carragher’s remarks, labelling them “ignorant” and reaffirming AFCON’s standing as a prestigious event.
Following the uproar, Carragher clarified his feedback, stating that he didn’t intend to undermine AFCON however was merely declaring the bias in Ballon d’Or voting, which he believes favours gamers competing in European tournaments.
John Obi Mikel speaking about Carragher:
??”HE CAN F*CK OFF, he’s by no means received something”?
pic.twitter.com/glo3g50wpx
— PurelyFootball ? (@PurelyFootball) February 27, 2025
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The underrated significance of AFCON
Regardless of being probably the most fiercely contested worldwide tournaments, AFCON usually receives much less media protection in comparison with different worldwide tournaments. Nevertheless, the extent of competitors is intense, with nations like Algeria, Senegal, Egypt and Ivory Coast boasting top-class squads.
The event additionally serves as a launchpad for African stars to showcase their expertise on a worldwide stage, securing strikes to high European golf equipment.
Carragher’s feedback might have been poorly phrased fairly than deliberately dismissive, however they’ve sparked an necessary dialog about the way in which African soccer is perceived on the worldwide stage. AFCON is greater than only a event; it’s a celebration of African footballing excellence, wealthy in historical past and significance.
As soccer turns into more and more world, it’s essential to provide AFCON the respect it deserves. Simply because the Euros, the Copa America and the World Cup form footballing legacies, so does AFCON.