Noah Abich criticizes Jamie Carragher for 'disrespectful and misplaced' AFCON remarks

Former Kenya international Noah Abich has criticized former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher for his disparaging remarks regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

During the analysis of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City on Sunday, February 23rd, which Liverpool won 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium, Carragher ignited controversy by claiming that the esteemed competition held in Africa lacks significance.

In his commentary, Carragher evaluated the performance of Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who netted the opening goal for Liverpool, and pondered whether Salah could be a contender for the Ballon d’Or, an esteemed annual accolade for the world's best player.

He further implied that for the former AS Roma and Chelsea player to secure the Ballon d’Or, he would need to win the Champions League, as the AFCON is not regarded by voters as a "major tournament."

Carragher said during the debate as quoted by BBC Sports: “I think the problem is the fact he's with Egypt, and he's probably not playing in the major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it's either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that.”

His fellow commentators, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge, expressed differing views regarding his remarks. Richards, a former player for Manchester City, stated, “Many individuals at home are saying, ‘They aren't taking it seriously.’ The Africa Cup of Nations is a significant tournament.” Sturridge, who represented Liverpool, added, “It is a fact. Winning the Euros or Copa America is considered prestigious, so the AFCON holds the same importance.”

Despite Carragher's efforts to clarify his position on the issue, his comments were perceived negatively by many individuals in Africa.

“It is very unfortunate that such comments could come from Carragher,” Abich, who played for Kenya’s national team Harambee Stars, told Flashscore. “Does Carragher know that without the AFCON tournament most of the African players in Europe could not be playing there?

“Why is it that when we have AFCON, several scouts from Europe, including those from the Premier League where Carragher played for the entirety of his playing career, come to scout for African players? If the tournament was not major like he said, what is the essence of these scouts coming to watch us play?

“I want to believe he did not mean what he said, I want to believe the comments he made came out and he was not planning to utter such words. It is disrespectful to look down upon the AFCON tournament, we have many players who have made it to Europe because of the tournament and many more are on their way because of the same tournament.”

Abich, a former player for Nzoia Sugar, Chemelil Sugar, Sony Sugar, Tusker, AFC Leopards, Kakamega Homeboyz, Sofapaka, Mathare United, Bandari, and Mt. Kenya United, all within the Kenyan Premier League before retiring, stated: “The AFCON tournament showcases the finest African teams; it is not merely a local event. The tournament features exceptional talent, with many renowned players, such as Jay Jay Okocha from Nigeria, having emerged from AFCON, similar to the case of Didier Drogba.”

“To tell us that AFCON is not a major tournament, then it means we don’t understand what major stands for. Every African nation’s dream is to play at the AFCON or even to win it, and I believe Carragher’s statement should not be taken seriously, as Africa we need to focus and make the tournament even better.”

Abich added: “Carragher's remarks were inappropriate. While perhaps unintended, he inadvertently reinforced a longstanding bias that continues to undermine the value and contributions of Africans, perpetuating a narrative that diminishes their worth. A very imperial stand which has no place in football anymore.”

The former Nairobi City Stars assistant coach did not stop there, going further to question why global media could shift their attention to cover the AFCON if it was not major. “All the global media always shift their attention to cover the tournament, whenever it is being held. If it was not major, do you think the global media could come in droves or could be interested to get news from it?

“For me, “AFCON is on the same level as the Euro and the Champions League.”

SportsLigue