By Jay-Jay Okocha has openly criticized former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher for his dismissive comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Okocha accused Carragher of failing to understand or respect African football.
Speaking in a video circulating on X on Friday, Okocha did not hold back. “There are some players that will say something, you just overlook it. If you look at their career, 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,” Okocha stated.
Carragher’s controversial remarks came during a Sky Sports discussion on Sunday, February 23, where he questioned whether AFCON should even be considered a major tournament. His comments sparked swift backlash from players, fans, and African football legends.
Okocha, who led Nigeria to AFCON glory in 1994 and built a legacy as one of Africa’s most creative midfielders, said African players have earned global respect through their performances in Europe and on the international stage.
He added that dismissing AFCON only exposes Carragher’s limited understanding of football outside Europe. According to Okocha, true football appreciation goes beyond the English Premier League and UEFA competitions.
As reactions continue to pour in, Okocha’s blunt response has reignited conversations around respect for African football, with many applauding him for defending the continent’s footballing pride.
