In the wake of recent remarks by Jamie Carragher downplaying the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigerian national team captain, William Troost Ekong has emphasized the tournament’s importance and called for increased recognition and coverage.
Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or are diminished because he represents Egypt and participates in AFCON, which he implied is less prestigious than tournaments like the World Cup or the European Championship. These comments have sparked widespread criticism from various football figures.
Troost-Ekong, who has been a stalwart in Nigeria’s defense, expressed his disappointment over Carragher’s remarks on a morning show with TalkSPORT earlier today. He highlighted that AFCON is a major tournament that showcases the rich football talent across the African continent.
Troost-Ekong believes that undermining its significance not only disrespects the players and nations involved but also perpetuates a biased narrative in global football.
In response to the backlash, Carragher clarified on social media that his intention was not to disrespect AFCON but to highlight the perceived bias in Ballon d’Or considerations.
He admitted that referring to AFCON as a non-major tournament was “clumsy” but maintained that the prestige of certain tournaments influences the award’s outcomes.
Troost-Ekong’s call for greater coverage and respect for AFCON comes at a time when the Super Eagles are preparing for the 2025 edition of the tournament.
The team is set to face Tunisia in Group C, and the captain has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s prospects, aiming to build upon their strong performances in previous editions.
The discourse surrounding Carragher’s comments has ignited a broader conversation about the recognition of African football on the global stage.
Troost-Ekong and his peers continue to advocate for AFCON’s rightful place as a premier tournament, deserving of the same respect and attention afforded to other continental competitions.
