Former Super Eagles interim manager Austine Eguavoen has clapped back at Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher following the Englishman’s “disrespectful” comments about the Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Carragher was discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of capping his sensational season with the highly coveted Ballon d’Or award when he claimed that the Egyptian winger was at a huge disadvantage because the AFCON isn’t a major tournament.
In the words of the ex-England international on Sky Sports; “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournaments as such or maybe got a great chance of winning. I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament [that wins the Ballon d’Or].”
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Carragher’s comments have drawn widespread criticism from within and outside the African continent and former Nigeria men’s national team interim manager Eguavoen has also weighed in on the controversy.
Eguavoen, who represented the Super Eagles during his playing days, won the AFCON in 1994 and coached Nigeria to a second-place finish as recently as 2023. He labelled Carragher’s comments unfair, insisting that Africa’s biggest football competition deserves respect.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the best football tournaments in the world. And if anyone feels otherwise, well he’s entitled to his opinion but rather unfair and disrespectful,” Eguavoen told Sports Boom.
“Jamie Carragher spoke out of emotion and clearly doesn’t understand what this tournament means to us in Africa. That’s unfortunate.
“I played in three AFCON tournaments and have also coached in the competition, so it’s a source of immense pride for me. I’m proud of what it represents.
“The last tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, for example, was watched globally, and the quality of football was exceptional. Carragher’s comments were emotional rather than thoughtful. I’m sure he’ll reflect on them and eventually apologise.“
“Players also need to shift their mindset and take the tournament seriously. I understand their concerns—losing their spot in the club team or financial considerations—but AFCON deserves respect.
“The timing of the competition is a challenge, and clubs invest heavily in these players, but that doesn’t diminish the tournament’s importance.”
