Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel fiercely responded to Jamie Carragher, telling him to “f*** off” after the former Liverpool player questioned the significance of the Africa Cup of Nations.A few days ago, Carragher reignited the debate by presenting his arguments on why AFCON is not a major tournament. On Sunday, the Liverpool legend stated that Mohamed Salah had been unable to win the Ballon d’Or because he hadn’t won any of the main international tournaments. In his view, those tournaments include the European Championship, Copa America, or the World Cup.Carragher dismisses AFCON as a major tournamentHis comments were quickly criticized by Daniel Sturridge, Micah Richards, and Rio Ferdinand. Now, a few days later, John Obi Mikel has joined the conversation. The Nigerian legend did not hold back when addressing the situation.”It’s so disrespectful what he said, and this is coming from someone who never won any major international competition with England. His statement was absolutely wrong. I hope he will come out and make a massive apology because he owes people around the world an apology. [It was] ignorant to disrespect such a wonderful tournament. If you think that the Premier League would be what it is today with just the English players you’re f***ing having a laugh mate.” Mikel John Obi blasts Jamie Carragher following his AFCON comments 😮 pic.twitter.com/xym48AzFxR— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) February 27, 2025 In a fit of anger, the Nigerian also pointed out that the Englishman never won the Premier League, while he managed to do so with the London club. He also emphasized the significance of AFCON for all the people of the African continent.”The guy says so many things on TV, never won the Premier League, analyses teams and tells them you have to win the Premier League.You never won it, you don’t know what it takes to win the f***ing Premier League, you don’t know what it takes to win with your national team. You can’t discredit such a wonderful, wonderful tournament. People in Africa die for the Africa Cup of Nations.” said Mikel with the fury in his voice.When I received my first salary, I bought a Range Rover, but José Mourinho told me to return it and get a Mini Cooper. He had a huge impact on my life and kept me grounded – Mikel Obi. pic.twitter.com/VGKGBBjIdV— Skye Sports Premier League (fan) (@skyeepl) February 25, 2025 During his playing career, Nigerian won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and finished as runner-up on the African continent twice.##NAJAVA_MECA_8736133##
