Eguavoen, Mikel slam Carragher for “disrespecting” AFCON

Former Nigerian football stars Augustine Eguavoen and John Obi Mikel have joined a growing chorus of voices condemning ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher for his dismissive comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Carragher recently claimed that AFCON is not a “major tournament,” suggesting that Egypt’s Mohamed Salah’s participation in the competition diminishes his chances of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Carragher had told Sky Sports: “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournaments as such or maybe got a great chance of winning.

“I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament that wins the Ballon d’ Or.”

Mikel Obi, who led Nigeria to AFCON glory in 2013, did not hold back in his response.

Speaking on his podcast, The Obione Show, the former Chelsea midfielder expressed his frustration, stating, “You (Carragher) don’t know what it takes to win with your national team. You can’t disrespect such a wonderful tournament like that.”

Mikel: Outraged by Carragher

Mikel emphasized the cultural and emotional significance of AFCON in Africa, adding, “People in Africa die for the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s more than just a tournament—it’s a source of pride and inspiration for millions.”

Augustine Eguavoen, a former Nigerian international and coach, also criticized Carragher’s remarks.

Eguavoen said “the Africa Cup of Nations is one of the best football tournaments in the world. And if anyone feels otherwise, well he’s entitled to his opinion but rather unfair and disrespectful.

“Jamie Carragher spoke out of emotion and clearly doesn’t understand what this tournament means to us in Africa. That’s unfortunate.

Eguavoen seeks Carragher’s apology

“I played in three AFCON tournaments and have also coached in the competition, so it’s a source of immense pride for me. I’m proud of what it represents.

“The last tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, for example, was watched globally, and the quality of football was exceptional. Carragher’s comments were emotional rather than thoughtful. I’m sure he’ll reflect on them and eventually apologise.

“Players also need to shift their mindset and take the tournament seriously. I understand their concerns—losing their spot in the club team or financial considerations—but AFCON deserves respect.

“The timing of the competition is a challenge, and clubs invest heavily in these players, but that doesn’t diminish the tournament’s importance.”

He went on to say of suggestions that Salah could miss out on a Golden Ball due to the international arenas that he graces.

“If AFCON winners are not being given the recognition they deserve, that’s unfortunate. This is a major tournament, and not every great player will win a world cup. Winning the world cup or Champions League shouldn’t be the sole criterion for individual awards.”

Meanwhile, other football pundits, including Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge, have publicly disagreed with Carragher, defending AFCON as a major and highly competitive tournament.

AFCON

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the main international men’s football competition in Africa, sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The tournament was first held in 1957, with only three participating nations: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia.

Since then, it has grown significantly, with the number of participants increasing to 24 teams in 2019.¹

The competition has undergone several format changes over the years.

Initially, the tournament was held every two years, but in 2013, it was switched to odd-numbered years to avoid conflicting with the FIFA World Cup.

The qualifying phase has also evolved, with new nations being affiliated and forced CAF to set up a qualifying phase in the form of knockout matches.

The final tournament features six groups of four teams each, with the top two teams and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 16.

Egypt is the most successful nation in the cup’s history, winning the tournament seven times, with Cameroon winning five times and Ghana four times.

The current trophy, a gold-plated cup, was introduced in 2001 and designed and made in Italy.

Cameroon was the first nation to be awarded the new trophy after they won the 2002 edition.

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