Apologise now - Super Eagles legend tells Carragher over AFCON comment

Apologise now - Super Eagles legend tells Carragher over AFCON comment

Hassan Abdulsalam 13:06 - 27.02.2025

Super Eagles legend Austin Eguavoen has informed Jamie Carragher to apologise for his AFCON Comments

Super Eagles legend Austin Eguavoen has responded to Jamie Carragher's comments about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling them "ignorant" and "disrespectful."

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Eguavoen, who won the AFCON with Nigeria in 1994, expects Carragher to eventually apologise for his remarks.

What Carragher said

Carragher's comments, made on Sky Sports, suggested that Mohamed Salah's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or were hindered by playing for Egypt and not participating in major tournaments like the Euros or World Cup.

Jamie Carragher
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher does not feel Mohamed Salah has played in a major tournament. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher (Credit: Imago)

What Eguavoen said

Eguavoen, who played in three AFCON tournaments and has also coached in the competition, emphasised the importance of the tournament.

former Super Eagles boss Ausgustine Eguavoen || X

Eguavoen took issue with Carragher's statement, saying via Sportboom, "The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the best football tournaments in the world. Jamie Carragher spoke out of emotion and clearly doesn't understand what this tournament means to us in Africa."

He said, "I'm proud of what it represents. The quality of football was exceptional."

He believes Carragher's comments were "emotional rather than thoughtful" and expects him to reflect on them and eventually apologise.

Eguavoen also addressed suggestions that Salah could miss out on individual awards due to playing in the AFCON.

"If AFCON winners are not being given the recognition they deserve, that's unfortunate. Winning the World Cup or Champions League shouldn't be the sole criterion for individual awards."

The Nigeria legend's comments highlight the importance of respecting the AFCON and its participants and the need for greater understanding and appreciation of African football.

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