Okocha Criticises Carragher Over AFCON Comments

Nigerian football legend, Jay-Jay Okocha, has criticised former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher over his remarks on Africa Cup of Nations, suggesting that the Englishman does not appreciate African football.

Okocha, speaking in an interview circulating X on Friday, said, “There are some players that will say something, you just overlook it. If you look at their career, if you look at the type of football that they played, you can understand. I mean, you wouldn’t want your son to be like Carragher. So, he can never appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa.”

His comments follow a wave of backlash against Carragher, who had questioned the significance of AFCON as a major tournament during a Sky Sports post-match discussion on Sunday, February 23.

The conversation, which included former England internationals Micah Richards, Daniel Sturridge, Roy Keane, and Carragher himself, revolved around Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Carragher had suggested that Salah’s inability to win “major tournaments” could hinder his chances of claiming the award, despite the Egyptian star finishing as AFCON runner-up in 2017 and 2021.

However, his comments were swiftly challenged by Richards and Sturridge, who reminded him of AFCON’s importance.

The remarks sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing Carragher of disregarding Africa’s premier football competition.

Among those who reacted was former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, who strongly condemned Carragher’s stance on his Obi One Podcast.

Mikel Obi described Carragher’s words as “disrespectful”, adding, “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*ing 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!”

The former Chelsea midfielder, who won the 2013 AFCON title with Nigeria, emphasised the tournament’s significance in inspiring young African footballers.

“Children, kids grow up watching their idols put in everything in supporting their country,” Mikel said. “The future generation influx of African players coming into the Premier League, coming to Europe to play, it’s all because they grew up watching the African Cup of Nations.”

Mikel Obi, a decorated player during his time at Chelsea, also won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League (2012), and two UEFA Europa League titles.