Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has strongly criticized former England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher for his controversial remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher, now a pundit for Sky Sports, sparked outrage when discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. The 47-year-old claimed that AFCON is not one of football’s major tournaments—a statement that has been widely condemned.
Pinnick, who is also an Executive Council member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), dismissed Carragher’s comments as “myopic” and emphasized the tournament’s growing significance on the global stage.
During an appearance on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Pinnick defended AFCON’s prestige and assured fans that the 2025 edition in Morocco will surpass the recent tournament held in Ivory Coast.
“I think it is a very myopic opinion, and you can see the wave of attack because the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is growing beyond the imagination of so many people, and he might be talking subjectively,” Pinnick stated.
He also referenced George Weah’s historic Ballon d’Or win in 1995, pointing out that Liberia did not qualify for AFCON that year, yet Weah’s remarkable performances for AC Milan secured him the prestigious award.
“When George Weah in 1995 won the Ballon d’Or, Liberia were nowhere close to the AFCON. He won the award due to his performance when he was with AC Milan, and you look at what Mohamed Salah has done this season. That is super iconic.”
Pinnick further praised the talent and determination of African players, emphasizing that success goes beyond tactics and coaching. He credited CAF for its support in organizing a high-quality tournament, revealing that the last AFCON in Ivory Coast received about $60 million in solidarity funding.
“The players are playing so well, and it is even beyond the coach. It is not about tactics, and that should be the spirit to resonate in Africa, and that should be the spirit among African players that we can do it. In the last AFCON, give it to CAF because solidarity about 60 million dollars went to Cote d’Ivoire, and that was the first time, and just wait and see what will happen in Morocco this year,” he added.
He also stressed AFCON’s significance for African players, underlining the pride and honor associated with winning the tournament.
“African players know how important it is to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and the medal and trophy alone is something every player will cherish,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Salah has been in exceptional form, netting 25 goals and providing 16 assists in the Premier League. With 182 goals to his name, he is just two away from breaking into the league’s all-time top five scorers.
The Egyptian forward has also excelled in the Champions League, scoring seven goals to help Liverpool finish at the top of their group.
His combined 51 goals and assists across Europe’s top five leagues currently lead all players, further strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or.
