Sports
Mikel Obi Slams Carragher Over AFCON Remarks
By Benjamin Abioye
Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has responded strongly to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher’s remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Mikel reminded Carragher that he never won any international trophy with England and called his comments “ignorant and disrespectful.”
Speaking on his podcast, Mikel demanded that Carragher issue a “massive apology” for downplaying AFCON. His reaction came after Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were slim because he had not won a “major tournament.”
Carragher had said:
“I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning.
“I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament.
“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and (Kylian) Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.”
Many football fans and former players have criticized Carragher’s words, saying they belittle the importance of AFCON.
Mikel, who won the 2013 AFCON with Nigeria, found the remarks disrespectful. He also pointed out that the Premier League would not have achieved its current success if it had relied only on English players.
Speaking on his show, Mikel said:
“It’s so disrespectful what he said, and this is coming from someone who never won any major international competition with England.
“His statement was absolutely wrong. I hope he will come out and make a massive apology because he owes people around the world an apology.
“It was ignorant to disrespect such a wonderful tournament. If you think that the Premier League would be what it is today with just the English players, you’re fcking having a laugh, mate.”
Mikel’s response adds to the growing backlash against Carragher’s comments, with many insisting that AFCON deserves more respect as a major football competition.
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