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.