Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has fiercely responded to ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher for downplaying the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher, speaking on Monday Night Football, expressed concerns that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or could be affected due to Egypt’s absence from a “major tournament.” His remarks suggested that AFCON did not hold the same weight as the Euros or Copa América—a stance that sparked immediate backlash from his fellow pundits, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge. Both were quick to remind him that AFCON is a major competition, but Carragher appeared unconvinced.
Mikel Obi’s Strong Rebuttal
Mikel Obi, who won AFCON in 2013, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Carragher. Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder blasted the Englishman for his dismissive attitude towards African football.
“You can’t sit there and talk like that. We always talk about inclusion in society, but how about inclusion in the world? We are trying to change perceptions, but it doesn’t help when someone with a massive following sits on one of the biggest platforms and makes statements like this.”
Clearly angered, Mikel also took a shot at Carragher’s own footballing achievements—or lack thereof.
“I don’t care what he says. I’ve played in AFCON, I’ve won it. It’s not his f**king place to discredit the African Cup of Nations. He played for Liverpool all those years and never won the Premier League, yet he sits there every week telling people how to win the league.”
“Africans Live for AFCON”
Mikel emphasized the deep emotional and cultural significance of AFCON across the African continent.
“Africans tune in to watch the Premier League even when they don’t have money to eat. They watch you play, and then you sit there and discredit an entire continent because it’s not the Euros or Copa América? He can f**k off.”
The former Super Eagles captain highlighted the legacy of African footballers, referencing George Weah, the only African player to win the Ballon d’Or, and the growing influence of African players in European football.
“We know what it is to be African. We know what we bring to the Premier League. AFCON is a tournament that people in Africa live and die for. Kids grow up idolizing their national teams, dreaming of representing their country. The next generation of African footballers, the ones making waves in Europe, were inspired by AFCON.”
Salah’s Ballon d’Or Chances
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah remains a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season with Liverpool. The Egyptian star has scored 30 goals and provided 22 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. With Liverpool in contention for multiple trophies and AFCON 2025 set for December, Salah will have another opportunity to showcase his brilliance on both club and international stages.
Mikel’s passionate defense of AFCON reflects the pride and importance the tournament holds for Africa. Carragher’s dismissive remarks only highlight the lingering bias against African football on global platforms. But as history has shown, African football continues to thrive, and its stars continue to shine on the biggest stages.
