The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – is it a major tournament? According to Jamie Carragher, the tournament is not at the level of other major sporting events. But we beg to differ.
Here are 5 reasons why AFCON is indeed a major tournament:
1. Rich history and tradition
AFCON has been around since 1957, making it the oldest continental football championship. It’s a beloved event that brings together the best of African football. The last edition attracted viewership of more than 2 billion people, making it one of the most watched sporting tournaments in history.
2. World Class Talent
AFCON attracts top players from across the continent, many of whom play for top European clubs. The likes of Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Toure, Jay Jay Okocha, and recently Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Didier Drogba have all showcased their skills at AFCON.
3. African stars value AFCON highly
As Salah himself said, “I can assure you that [AFCON] is the trophy that I want to win most.” This sentiment is echoed by many African players, who see AFCON as a pinnacle of achievement.
Nigeria’s Mikel Obi won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League with Chelsea but insists winning the AFCON in 2013 remains his greatest achievement.
4. The passion of the fans
AFCON is watched by millions of passionate fans across Africa and around the world. The tournament is known for its electric atmosphere, with fans from different countries coming together to cheer on their teams.
5. We don’t need European validation
As Carragher himself said, AFCON may not hold the same weight as other continental tournaments in the eyes of global football. But that’s beside the point. AFCON is major because it’s ours, and we love it. We don’t need the validation of Jamie Carragher or any other European football pundit to understand its significance.
It is no secret that African players tend to be undervalued in world football but that has nothing to do with the prestige of AFCON. It is a deeper issue and comments like Carragher’s have fed the narrative.
AFCON should be celebrated for what it is; one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
