News
Okocha responds to Carragher’s Afcon criticism: “You won’t want your son to be like Carragher”
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Nigeria international Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha has hit back at former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher after the latter made derogatory remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
During a Sky Sports broadcast discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, Carragher suggested that Salah’s chances would be limited without winning a major international trophy with Egypt.
While fellow pundits Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards pointed to the possibility of Salah winning the AFCON, Carragher dismissed it, implying that the tournament was not on par with other major football competitions.
Okocha, who had a distinguished career in both African football and international football, responded to Carragher’s comments, arguing that they stemmed from a lack of appreciation for African football.
“There are some players that will say something and you just overlook them,” Okocha said in a trending video. “If you look at their careers, the type of football that they played, you can understand.”
Okocha went on to directly criticize Carragher’s ability to recognize African football talent.
“He can never appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa,” Okocha remarked.
The Nigerian legend also took a swipe at Carragher’s playing style and career, adding, “You won’t want your son to be like [Jamie] Carragher.”
Okocha’s response has sparked a heated debate over the respect and recognition of African football and its tournaments, with many fans backing Okocha’s stance on the significance of AFCON in the global footballing landscape.
