Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha has hit back at Jamie Carragher’s recent comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), accusing the former Liverpool defender of disrespecting African football and its talents.
Okocha’s response came after Carragher downplayed the significance of AFCON during a post-match discussion on Sky Sports on February 23. Carragher, in a conversation about Mohamed Salah’s potential Ballon d’Or win in 2025, suggested that the Egyptian’s lack of success in “major tournaments” could hurt his chances, seemingly dismissing AFCON as not being important enough.
Despite Salah’s impressive performances in the tournament, finishing as runner-up in both the 2017 and 2021 editions, Carragher’s comments sparked outrage, with fellow pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge quickly defending the tournament’s global relevance.
Okocha, clearly frustrated by Carragher’s perspective, responded: “There are some players you just overlook, based on their career and the football they played. You wouldn’t want your son to be like Carragher. He can never truly appreciate African football or the immense talent that comes from the continent.”
Okocha’s remarks underscore a broader sentiment that African football deserves more recognition, not only for the talent it produces but also for its historical and cultural significance in the sport. The ongoing debate continues to highlight the need for a more inclusive and respectful view of global football.
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