Nigeria legend Austin Eguavoen expects Jamie Carragher to ‘eventually apologise’ for AFCON quip – with Mohamed Salah-related comment considered to have been ‘emotional rather than thoughtful’

Discussing Egyptian superstar Salah’s claims to Ballon d’Or recognition, ex-England international Carragher told 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].”

Carragher’s comment, which could be considered naive at best, has been branded “ignorant” and “disrespectful”, with the Africa Cup of Nations meaning plenty to those that take part. Eguavoen is man that knows all about the joy of claiming a continental crown, having done so with Nigeria in 1994.

The former Super Eagles wing-back has told Sports Boom: “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. 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.”

Eguavoen went on to say of suggestions that Salah could miss out on a Golden Ball due to the international arenas that he graces: “If AFCON winners are not being given the recognition they deserve, that’s unfortunate. This is a major tournament, and not every great player will win a World Cup. Winning the World Cup or Champions League shouldn’t be the sole criterion for individual awards.”

Salah – who is running his contract at Liverpool down towards free agency - is currently captain of Egypt, with 103 caps and 59 goals to his name. He has never captured the AFCON crown, with final heartache suffered with the Pharaohs in 2017 and 2021.