Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha has criticized Jamie Carragher for downplaying AFCON’s significance in the Ballon d’Or race. Okocha dismissed Carragher’s opinion, stating that no one would want their child to play like him, emphasizing that the Liverpool legend fails to appreciate African football’s talent and competitive nature.
Nigerian football legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, has fired back at former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher over his remarks about the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and its significance in global football. Carragher had suggested that winning AFCON would not significantly boost Mohamed Salah’s chances of securing the Ballon d’Or, implying that the tournament lacks the prestige of other international competitions.
Okocha, responding to Carragher’s statement, dismissed his opinion, arguing that some players’ views on football should be overlooked based on their careers. Taking a dig at the ex-Liverpool star, Okocha stated that no one would aspire for their child to play like Carragher, highlighting his belief that the former defender does not appreciate African football or its talent. His comments have further fueled the debate on AFCON’s global recognition, with many African football fans and legends rallying to defend the tournament’s importance.
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