Super Eagles’ legend, Okocha slams Carragher over AFCON remarks

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Super Eagles star Jay-Jay Okocha has dismissed remarks by Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher questioning the prestige of the Africa Cup of Nations, challenging the credibility of his stance on African football.

Carragher had sparked controversy by suggesting that Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances were hurt by his failure to win a “major” international tournament, such as the European Championship, Copa America, or the World Cup.

Reacting to the negative remark, Okocha criticises the comparison of AFCON to these tournaments, arguing that Carragher’s perspective fails to recognise the true value and significance of African football.

Okocha further criticised Carragher’s perspective, claiming that no father would encourage their son to be like Carragher, or see him as a mentor.

Okocha said, “There are some players that will say something; you just overlook it. If you look at their careers, if you look at the type of football that they played, you can understand. I mean, you wouldn’t want your son to be like Carragher.

“So, he can never appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa.”