Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has urged Liverpool star Jamie Carragher to “fck off” after he made “ignorant and disrespectful” comments regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ex-Chelsea and Super Eagles skipper John Obi-Mikel has brutally blasted Jamie Carragher in response to the latter’s disrespectful statements about the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carragher’s dismissive comments, which suggested that the African tournament is not of the same standing as other international competitions, came under fire from the African football community.
Mikel took offense to these remarks and responded strongly to The Obi One Podcast.
In his television commentary, Carragher implied that Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian player who does not compete in “major” tournaments such as AFCON, may have a lower chance of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year.
His comments provoked a quick reaction and were swiftly addressed by ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who stated that AFCON is certainly an important competition.
Mikel criticized Carragher’s statements as disrespectful and false, pointing to the pundit’s failure to win any major international competitions with England.
Mikel fiercely expressed his admiration for the AFCON, which he won in 2013, and opposed Carragher’s contemptuous attitude toward it.
The African football community watches Carragher on TV every weekend. Consequently, Mikel’s outrage at the pundit, who denies the significance of a competition so treasured by African supporters, was passionate.
Mikel reminded Carragher and other detractors of African players’ tremendous impact on the Premier League.
Mikel demanded an apology from Carragher for his ill-informed comments and urged him to appreciate the value and prestige of the Africa Cup of Nations.
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