Nigerian football legend, Jay-Jay Okocha, has responded sharply to former England defender Jamie Carragher’s controversial remarks about African football. The retired Super Eagles captain didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling out Carragher’s dismissive attitude towards African football and its talents.
In a recent interview, Carragher, known for his role as a football pundit and former Liverpool star, suggested that African football was not as highly regarded as other continental competitions. His comments sparked outrage, especially from African footballers and fans who have long celebrated the rich history and success of the continent’s football.
Carragher’s remarks, which were made during a television broadcast, implied that African players, particularly those playing in competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), had fewer opportunities to showcase their talents compared to European football. The former Liverpool defender questioned the competitive nature of the Africa Cup of Nations, calling it “not as significant” as European football tournaments.
His comments were seen as disrespectful, particularly in light of the continent’s immense contribution to global football. Many fans and players took to social media to express their disappointment with Carragher’s stance.
In his response to Carragher, Jay-Jay Okocha, one of Africa’s finest footballers, did not mince words. Okocha, who is widely regarded as one of the most skillful players to come out of Africa, expressed his disbelief at Carragher’s attitude and took the opportunity to deliver a powerful rebuke.
“There are some players that will say some things, you’ll just overlook it,” Okocha said. “If you look at their career, if you look at the type of football that they played, you can understand, you know. But I mean, you won’t want your son to be like Carragher. So, he can never appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa.”
Africa has long been a powerhouse in the world of football. From legendary players like Okocha himself, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and George Weah, to the rise of new stars like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, African players have been central to the success of clubs in Europe’s top leagues. Despite the continent’s undeniable impact on the global game, African football has often been overshadowed by European football in terms of global recognition.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the continent’s most prestigious tournaments, and it has seen some of the greatest players in world football showcase their skills. Okocha, who won the tournament with Nigeria in 1994, is just one example of the many African players who have made their mark on the international stage.
Yet, despite the achievements of African players in global football, African football has often been dismissed or undervalued by some pundits and former players, particularly those from Europe. This sentiment is what seems to have triggered Okocha’s strong reaction to Carragher’s comments.
