Michael Essien Addresses Jamie Carragher’s AFCON Comments: “He Was Naive and Ignorant”
- Ghanaian legend Michael Essien has shared his thoughts on Jamie Carragher's controversial remarks about AFCON
- The 42-year-old, who represented Ghana at three AFCON tournaments, described the Englishman as ignorant and naive
- Meanwhile, Essien has also explained why he rejected a chance to become a member of Otto Addo's managerial team
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Jamie Carragher's perceived dismissive stance on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to draw reactions from the footballing world.
Michael Essien, who represented Ghana at three editions of the continental tournament, commented on the Englishman's remarks.
Source: Getty Images
Jamie Carragher’s AFCON remarks controversy
The issue arose during a punditry session where Carragher assessed Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or in 2025.
He suggested that the Egyptian winger lacked success in major competitions, a statement that drew immediate pushback from fellow analysts.
They were quick to remind him that an AFCON 2025 win could be a game-changer in Salah’s bid for the prestigious individual football award.
However, Carragher appeared to scoff at their response, sparking outrage from the broader football community.
Amid heavy criticism from all sides, the pundit later clarified his stance and backtracked on what he meant.
The Liverpool legend said he would never want to be considered ignorant, admitting that he was clumsy with his words.
Essien's take on Carragher's comments
Known for his composed and measured approach, Essien addressed the controversy with characteristic diplomacy.
While he refrained from an outright rebuke, the former Ghana international made his feelings clear during an interview.
"I think Jamie Carragher was naive and ignorant in his comments about AFCON. My ex-teammates have addressed him, so I’m fine," he told Sporty FM.
What Essien meant by ex-teammate replying Carragher
Recall that Ghana legend Samuel Osei Kuffour criticized Jamie Carragher for comments he made about the Africa Cup of Nations.
In reacting to the statement made by the ex-England footballers, Kuffour stated that Carragher achieved nothing in football and only talks a lot.
"Jamie Carragher has to apologise to all African people because AFCON is not a normal tournament. Africa has given us the best of the best. Africa has produced a Ballon d'Or winner.
"What has Jamie Carragher achieved? If he wasn't born in Liverpool, he would not have had the chance to play for Liverpool. Ferdinand and Terry are the ones supposed to talk.
"If we mentioned the best 2000 defenders in the world, Jamie Carragher will not be part of them. He is nothing. He just talks. He should be ashamed of himself," he said, as quoted by Sporty FM.
Kuffour enjoyed a legendary career, winning multiple titles including six Bundesliga titles and the UEFA Champions League but he never won the AFCON title.
Michael Essien’s AFCON journey: What could have been
Having competed at three AFCON tournaments, Essien understands the significance of the AFCON and the weight it carries in African football.
Though he never lifted the trophy with Ghana's Black Stars, the legendary midfielder remains a firm advocate for its prestige on the global stage.
The 42-year-old midfield maestro made nine appearances for his country, scoring three goals and registering two assists, per Transfermarkt.
Despite his contributions for the Black Stars, his AFCON story was one of misfortune, with persistent injuries ruling him out of many editions.
Source: Getty Images
His best chance at continental glory came in 2008 on home soil, when Ghana reached the semi-finals, only to fall short against Cameroon.
Two years later, he was part of the 2010 squad but a meniscus injury against Ivory Coast sidelined him for the rest of the tournament.
That campaign saw Asamoah Gyan lead the Black Stars to the final, with Mohamed Gedo's lone goal resulting in Ghana claiming silver.
Why Essien rejected Black Stars coaching job
Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported that Essien explained rejecting an opportunity to join Otto Addo's coaching team.
The 42-year-old was among the shortlisted candidates for the assistant coaching role with the senior national team.
Although he declined to join the Black Stars, many Ghanaians still see him as a strong contender for that role.
Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article
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Source: YEN.com.gh
