A ‘Disrespect,’ Mikel Obi Blasts Carragher For Comment On AFCON
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi criticizes Jamie Carragher for labeling the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major event.
Carragher claimed that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or are at a disadvantage because he was unable to win a significant tournament while comparing Salah’s chances of winning.
The former defender dismissed AFCON as a major competition. But that comment has ignited a barrage of criticisms, especially from Africa including Mikel who labelled Carragher’s comment as disrespectful.
Mikel said on the Obi One podcast, “It’s so disrespectful what he said, and this is coming from a person who has never won any major international championships with England.”
“His statement was absolutely wrong. Because he owes people all over the world an apology, I’m hoping he will apologize in full. ]It was] ignorant to disrespect such a wonderful tournament”.
Mikel also played for Chelsea in the English Premier League in 2013 and also won an AFCON title with the Super Eagles.  ,
READ ALSO:]Carragher] AFCON Needs More Respect – Rio Ferdinand
AFCON Inspires
According to the former midfielder, Africans, including himself, contributed to the development of the game in England, with the Premier League having a sizable following there.  ,
As far as he is concerned, Africa deserves more respect for its role in the development of football.
“Children, kids, grow up watching their idols, watching and supporting their country because the African Cup of Nations is what inspires them”, the former Chelsea player said.
“The next generation, the 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”.
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, earlier called for greater respect for the continental competition.
Source: Channels TV
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