Mikel Obi may be the latest Super Eagles star to deliver a retort to Jamie Carragher's recent comments downplaying the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but he is not the only one.
The former Liverpool defender's remarks, made during a discussion about Mohamed Salah‘s Ballon d'Or chances, have been deemed disrespectful and ignorant of the tournament's immense importance to African football.
This has led to a wave of passionate responses, highlighting the deep-seated pride and value placed on AFCON across the continent.
Mikel Obi's powerful rebuke
Leading the charge against Carragher's comments is former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi, who delivered a scathing assessment of the pundit's understanding of African football.
On his Obi One podcast, he defended AFCON, stating, “You don't know what it takes to win with your national team. You can't discredit such a wonderful tournament.
“People in Africa die for the Africa Cup of Nations. Children, kids grow up watching their idols, watching their country, supporting their country. Because the Africa Cup of Nations is what inspires them, the next generation.
“The influx of African players coming into the Premier League, coming to Europe to play is because they grew up watching the African Cup of Nations.”
Echoes of disapproval from Super Eagles stars
Mikel's sentiments were echoed by current Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who took to social media to express his views. “I briefly shared my opinion on the African Cup of Nations and why it means so much to all of us,” Troost-Ekong stated.
He emphasized the continuous emergence of talent from Africa and the unifying power of football, saying, “The African continent, as the others in the world has brought as much to the game of football that we all love. So let’s not waste time comparing but celebrating one of the crown jewels of the game that brings us all together.”
Troost-Ekong also highlighted the dreams of players like Ademola Lookman, who, despite achieving success in European competitions, still aspire to win AFCON.
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria's most-capped player, also joined the chorus of disapproval. He simply posted a picture of himself holding the AFCON trophy on social media with the caption, “AFCON. Respect.”
Okocha's scathing assessment of Carragher
Super Eagles legend Austine Okocha added his voice to the criticism, delivering a particularly biting assessment of Carragher's career and comments. “There are some players that will say some things. You just overlook them. If you look at their career and the type of football that they played you can understand.
“I mean you won’t want your son to be like Carragher. So he can never appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa,” Okocha stated.
