Okocha slams Carragher over AFCON remark, says ‘nobody wants his son to play like him’

Okocha also suggested that since Carragher wasn’t a skillful player, he is unlikely to appreciate “African football or the talents that come from Africa.”

By Kehinde Okeowo

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, has joined the list of African players who have chastised Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, over his controversial remark about the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, claimed that even if Reds winger, Mohamed Salah won the AFCON, it would not significantly increase his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or prize.

He later clarified his stance on his X page, saying: “Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Ballon d’Or.

“If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON and was [Player of the Tournament], I don’t think he’d win the Ballon d’Or, because I don’t think the AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments.”

Despite his attempt to clarify his earlier  statement, the comment has continued to attract criticisms from fans and some African football legends.

ALSO READ: Mikel Obi replies Carragher after AFCON comments, says ‘You didn’t win anything with England’

Wadding into the saga, Okocha aimed a dig at Carragher, claiming nobody would want their sons to play like him.

He went on to insinuate that since the former Liverpool defender was not a  skillful player during his playing days, he is unlikely to “appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa.”

Okocha said: “There are some players that would say something and you just have to overlook it.

“If you look at their career, if you look at the type of football they played, then you can understand.

“I mean… you won’t want your son to be like [Jamie] Carragher. So you can never appreciate African football or the talents that come from Africa.”