Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has issued a strong warning to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher over his comments discrediting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher had sparked controversy by claiming that AFCON is not a major tournament compared to the Euros or Copa America.
Reacting to the comments on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed disappointment, stating that Carragher’s remarks undermine the significance of the tournament and the passion Africans have for football.
Mikel’s Response
In a heated outburst, the 2013 AFCON winner criticized Carragher for belittling a tournament that means so much to millions of Africans.
“You can’t sit there and talk like that. We talk about inclusion in society, but how about inclusion in the world? We’re trying to change the perception of people, but it doesn’t help when someone like you, who has a massive following, sits there on one of the biggest platforms in the world and makes comments like this,” Mikel said.
He further questioned Carragher’s authority to criticize the competition, especially since the Englishman never won any major international trophies during his playing career.
“I don’t care what he says, I’ve played in it, I’ve won it. It’s not his f**king place to discredit the African Cup of Nations. I am angry. He spent so many years playing for Liverpool and didn’t win the Premier League, and he sits there week in, week out, trying to tell people how to win the league,” Mikel fired.
Mikel emphasized the emotional connection Africans have with AFCON, highlighting how the tournament inspires the next generation of African players.
“Africans tune in to watch. They don’t have money to eat, but they watch the Premier League. They watch you on the weekend, and you sit there to discredit the whole African continent, that it has no value because it’s not the Euros or Copa America, he can f**k off,” Mikel added.
He also reminded Carragher of the contributions African players have made to world football, referencing George Weah, the only African player to ever win the Ballon d’Or.
“We know what it is to be African, we know what we bring to the Premier League. Starting from George Weah, who won the Ballon d’Or by the way,” he added.
AFCON’s Legacy
Mikel Obi concluded by stressing that the tournament represents hope for millions of Africans and serves as an inspiration for young players aspiring to play on the global stage.
“You don’t know what it takes to win with your national team, you can’t discredit such a wonderful tournament that people in Africa die for.
“Children grow up watching their idols, supporting their countries because the African Cup of Nations is what inspires them,” Mikel said.
Mikel’s passionate defense of the tournament has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Africans supporting his stand.
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