Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha has weighed in on the recent controversy sparked by Jamie Carragher’s comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), criticising the pundit for downplaying the tournament’s significance.
Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, claimed that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were hindered by the fact that Egypt does not participate in “major tournaments” like the Champions League or AFCON.
He suggested that Salah’s international achievements with Egypt might not be enough to win the prestigious award, especially with the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior excelling in club football.
“I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such,” Carragher said.
“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr. and Mbappé right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.”
Carragher’s remarks were quickly met with criticism, including from former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who called out the pundit, reminding him that AFCON is indeed a major tournament.
“AFCON is a big tournament just so you know,” Richards firmly stated.
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Okocha, who enjoyed an illustrious career with the Nigerian national team, Bolton Wanderers, and Paris Saint-Germain, also condemned Carragher’s comments.
The 1994 AFCON winner took a shot at the former Liverpool defender, stating, “There are some players that will say something, but you just overlook it… If you look at their career, if you look at the type of football they played… then you can understand.”
Okocha further added, “I mean, you wouldn’t want your son to be like Carragher. So you can never appreciate African football — and all the talents that are coming from Africa.”
The debate highlights the ongoing issues surrounding the recognition of African football on the global stage and the value of AFCON, a tournament that has produced some of the finest talents in world football.
