Sport
“Winning AFCON Won’t Help Salah Win the Ballon d’Or” – Carragher Says
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has fired back at Rio Ferdinand after the former Manchester United defender weighed in on the debate over Carragher’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remarks.
Carragher had downplayed AFCON’s importance as a major tournament. After Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Manchester City on Sunday, the 47-year-old suggested that Mohamed Salah’s participation in AFCON could hurt his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Ferdinand, speaking on his podcast, argued that Carragher’s view reflects the general perception and called on FIFA to elevate AFCON’s status to match the European Championship and Copa America.
Salah, who has finished as AFCON runner-up twice (2017 and 2021), has yet to win the tournament.
“I get what Jamie is saying, but I don’t agree with it. The fact that AFCON isn’t valued the same as the Euros or Copa America is wrong, and that’s on FIFA and the federations,” Ferdinand said.
“Jamie is right in that if Salah won AFCON, it wouldn’t influence the Ballon d’Or voting at all, which is completely unfair.”
Carragher didn’t hold back in his response, shutting down Ferdinand’s take.
“I didn’t say that, you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do,” Carragher fired back on Instagram.
Sport
‘He Brings a Different Quality’ — Frank Lampard Praises Onyeka
Coventry City manager, Frank Lampard, speaks on team player and states how the player’s stance will help the team get into the Premier League.
The player is revealed to be Onyeka who he spoke about in the recent interview.
“He brings a different quality and probably a different profile to the midfield players we have.
“As I say, the profile is slightly different and I think that helps us in terms of the options and the competition in the middle of the park for us.”
Sport
Arteta Confirms Saka’s Recovery, Gives Update on Martin and Jurrien
Arsenal coach, Mikel Arteta, after their last match, shares an update on the injured team members after their last match.
He shared an update on Saka and stated that he is doing better after going through a hip injury. “His hip is improving a lot. Hopefully, he’ll be ready soon.”
He added about the other team members: “Martin is getting better and will be back in a few days, and Jurrien is fit for the weekend.”
Sport
“We’re Still Waiting” — Alex Iwobi Opens Up on Nigeria’s World Cup Chances
Super Eagles footballer, Alex Iwobi, speaks on the World Cup and reveals their hope to play in the 2026 World Cup.
He shared that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hopeful about hearing from them after they submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.
“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have in your career, a memorable moment. But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been.”
