Augustine Eguavoen urges Carragher to apologize over AFCON remarks

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Nigerian international Augustine Eguavoen has called on Jamie Carragher to apologize for his recent remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing them as “ignorant” and “disrespectful.”

Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, had suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or were hindered by his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, rather than in major tournaments like the Euros or World Cup.

He pointed out that Ballon d’Or winners have typically triumphed in the Champions League or international tournaments like the European Championship or Copa América, overlooking the achievements in AFCON.

Eguavoen, who won the AFCON with Nigeria in 1994 and has participated in three tournaments as a player and coach, responded to Carragher’s comments, emphasizing that they reflected a lack of understanding of the tournament’s significance.

“The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the best football tournaments in the world,” Eguavoen said in a statement via Sportboom. “Carragher spoke out of emotion and clearly doesn’t understand what this tournament means to us in Africa. That’s unfortunate.”

Eguavoen further pointed to the global viewership and high-quality football displayed in the most recent AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, stressing that the competition deserves more respect.

“I’m proud of what it represents. The last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, for example, was watched globally, and the quality of football was exceptional.”

He also added that the recognition of AFCON winners should not be undermined, asserting that winning the World Cup or Champions League should not be the sole criterion for individual awards.

“Carragher’s comments were emotional rather than thoughtful. I’m sure he’ll reflect on them and eventually apologize,” Eguavoen concluded.