Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has strongly criticised Jamie Carragher for his comments on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling them “disrespectful” and “ignorant.”
The former Liverpool defender sparked outrage during a discussion on Sky Sports about what Mohamed Salah would need to win the Ballon d’Or.
Carragher suggested that Salah’s chances were hindered by playing for Egypt, arguing that he was not competing in a “major tournament.”
I think the problem is the fact that he’s with Egypt,” Carragher said.
He’s probably not playing in a major tournament as such, or maybe he’s got a big chance of winning.
I think it’s either the Champions League or a major tournament.
Normally, it’s the player who excels in that area.
His remarks were widely criticised for downplaying the significance of AFCON, which is Africa’s premier international football competition and one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
Mikel’s strong response
Obi Mikel, a former AFCON winner with Nigeria, did not hold back in his response, condemning Carragher’s comments as offensive and dismissive of African football.
What he said was so disrespectful,” Mikel stated. “And this is coming from someone who has never won a major international competition with England.
If you think the Premier League would be what it is today with only English players, you are kidding.
Mikel, who won the Champions League and Premier League with Chelsea, contrasted his own achievements with Carragher’s career, highlighting that the Liverpool legend had never won a league title.
His statement was so wrong. I hope he comes out and gives a massive apology because he owes people around the world an apology,” Mikel continued. “It was ignorant to disrespect such a wonderful tournament.
This guy says so much on TV, but he has never won the Premier League. Yet, he analyses teams and tells them how to win it.
A defence of African football
Mikel went on to passionately defend AFCON, stressing its significance for millions of football fans across the continent.
Africans watch you at the weekend, and you sit there, open your mouth, and discredit the whole African continent, he added. People in Africa are dying for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Kids grow up watching their idols in this tournament. It inspires them.
The former Super Eagles star also criticised the way African contributions to football are sometimes overlooked.
We know in Africa what we bring to the Premier League, he said.
Calls for an apology
Mikel’s remarks reflect a broader frustration with the way African football is sometimes undervalued on the global stage.
While Carragher has not yet responded to the backlash, there have been growing calls for him to clarify or retract his comments.
AFCON has a long and rich history, producing legendary players such as Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and George Weah.
Many football fans and analysts believe the tournament deserves the same respect as other continental competitions like the Copa América and the European Championship.
As debates over Carragher’s statement continue, Mikel’s impassioned response has resonated with many in the football community, reinforcing the importance of recognising and valuing the global impact of African football.
