Former Super Eagles and Chelsea captain, John Obi Mikel, has criticized football pundit Jamie Carragher for his remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mikel was upset after Carragher suggested that AFCON is not a major tournament while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, Carragher claimed that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international record could hurt his chances of winning football’s top individual award.
He implied that the Champions League or a “major tournament” like the Euros or Copa América usually determines the Ballon d’Or winner.
His comments sparked backlash, with fellow pundit Micah Richards quickly correcting him, saying, “AFCON is a big tournament, just so you know.”
Mikel Obi, who won AFCON in 2013, did not hold back his criticism. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, he called Carragher’s remarks “disrespectful and ignorant.”
“This is coming from someone who never won anything major with England. His statement was absolutely wrong. He owes people around the world an apology,” Mikel said.
The former midfielder was particularly angry at Carragher’s attitude during the discussion.
“The smirk on his face, the arrogant way he dismissed AFCON—that’s what really made me angry,” Mikel added.
He also criticized Carragher for analyzing and advising Premier League teams despite never winning the league himself.
“You never won the Premier League, yet you sit there every week telling people how to win it. You haven’t won anything with England, yet you want to discredit a tournament that means everything to Africans.”
Mikel highlighted how much AFCON means to African players and fans.
“People in Africa give everything for this tournament. Players shed blood and tears to win it. Saying AFCON has no value because it’s not the Euros or Copa América is simply wrong.”
He also reminded Carragher of how much African players contribute to the Premier League.
“If you think the Premier League would be what it is today without African players, you’re joking.”
