Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi blasts Jamie Carragher over ‘disrespectful’ comment on AFCON
Former Chelsea midfielder, Mikel John-Obi, has blasted former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher following his comments regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and its significance as a major tournament.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports on Sunday, February 23, alongside former EPL players Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge, and Roy Keane.
The former defender discussed Mohamed Salah’s prospects of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or. He pointed out that the Egyptian star faces a significant problem due to his lack of success in major tournaments.
Although Salah has not yet claimed the title, he has been a runner-up on two occasions, in 2017 and 2021.
During the course of the discussion, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge were quick to correct Jamie Carragher’s assertion regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), emphasiding that he does not consider it to be a major tournament.
He quickly faced backlash on social media for failing to recognise the Africa Cup of Nations as a ‘major tournament.’
One notable response came from Mikel Obi on The Obi One podcast, where he referred to his comments as ‘disrespectful.’
The former Super Eagles international said, “It’s so disrespectful what he said. The Africa Cup of Nations is as big [as the Euros]. I’ve played in it and won it. It’s not in his f***ing place to discredit the AFCON. He sits there week in, week out teaching and coaching people on how to win the Premier League, and he never won it!”
He expressed the importance of role models in inspiring young people to engage in the game, saying, “Children, kids grow up watching their idols put in everything in supporting their country.”
“The future generation influx of African players coming into the Premier League, come to Europe to play, it’s all because they grew up watching the African Cup of Nations”.
Mikel Obi won the AFCON title with Nigeria in 2013, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League (2012), and two UEFA Europa League titles with Chelsea.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Abuja
Abuja man ordered to sweep court premises for one day over phone theft
The police said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 288 of the Penal Code Law.
Showbiz
Asake announces ‘In God We Trust’ Europe, North America tour
His hit song ‘Amapiano’ was nominated for the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammy Awards, despite being sung mainly in Yoruba.
Economy
FG unveils Nigeria Genomic City to drive research, innovation
The federal government has unveiled the Nigeria Genomic City initiative as part of efforts to transform the country into a knowledge and innovation-driven economy.
States
Court frees man accused of theft after complainant’s case withdrawal
Mr Tellang said the complainant agreed to withdraw the case after the defendant paid part of the money involved.
States
Ogun men bag prison sentence for stealing generator
The Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court, Isabo Division, on Thursday, sentenced two men to a year’s imprisonment each for stealing a generator valued at N1.1 million.
Health
Kano cancer centre urges early detection of sarcoma
The CEO of Kano Cancer Treatment Centre, Nafisa Abdu, has urged Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention for suspicious lumps, unexplained swelling and prolonged bone pain.
