Okocha Defends AFCON Amid Carragher's Controversial Remarks

Jay-Jay Okocha, the former Nigerian football star, has publicly criticized Jamie Carragher for belittling the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during a discussion about Mohamed Salah's chances for the Ballon d'Or. Carragher's assertion that AFCON lacks the prestige of major tournaments sparked backlash from Okocha and other football figures, who argue that such views reflect a Eurocentric bias in evaluating African football. Okocha emphasized that Carragher's career should not lend credibility to his comments, stating, 'You wouldn’t want your son to be like Carragher,' highlighting the disconnect between Carragher's perspective and the value of African football. The controversy has resonated on social media, with many supporting Okocha's stance and calling for recognition of AFCON's significance. Critics, including John Obi Mikel, have echoed Okocha's sentiments, insisting that AFCON holds equal importance to tournaments like the Euros. This ongoing debate underscores a broader discussion on the representation and appreciation of African football in the global arena.