Recent weeks have seen a whirlwind of controversy in the football world, ignited by comments regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the perceived quality of African players. The storm began with Jamie Carragher's assertion that AFCON is not a major tournament, a statement that drew immediate and widespread criticism from African football fans and legends alike.

Carragher's initial remarks, made while discussing Mohamed Salah's Ballon d'Or chances, were perceived as disrespectful to the tournament and the talent it showcases. This sparked a debate about the significance of AFCON compared to other international competitions like the UEFA European Championship (Euros) and Copa America.

Adding fuel to the fire, controversial former footballer Joey Barton stepped into the fray, defending Carragher and claiming that no African defender has ever been better than him. Speaking on his podcast, Barton challenged critics to name a superior African defender, dismissing the likes of Kolo Toure. This statement was met with further outrage and disbelief.

Football fans and analysts were quick to counter Barton's claims, with many pointing to the numerous world-class African defenders who have excelled in top European leagues and on the international stage. Femi Ogunsanwo, for example, named seven African defenders, including Achraf Hakimi, whom he considers better than Carragher. Top sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji went even further, listing 20 African defenders he believes surpass Carragher, including Nigerian legends Joseph Yobo, Taribo West, and the late Stephen Keshi.

Carragher later attempted to clarify his statements, claiming his language was clumsy and that he did not intend to be disrespectful. He explained that he was trying to convey that AFCON, along with other tournaments like the Asia Games and Gold Cup, does not carry the same weight with Ballon d'Or voters as the Euros or Copa America.

However, the damage was already done. Augustine Eguavoen, among others, slammed Carragher for downplaying AFCON, emphasizing that award organizers should consider all tournaments equally. Jay-Jay Okocha also criticized Carragher, stating that he does not deserve the attention he's getting from CAF and African legends.

Meanwhile, the debate extended beyond the quality of African defenders to include comparisons of players across different positions. During a CBS Sports broadcast, YouTuber IshowSpeed subtly jabbed Carragher about his goal-scoring record, pointing out that Carragher has more own goals than actual goals in his career. This exchange highlighted the ongoing scrutiny and criticism Carragher faces in light of his controversial statements.

In a separate discussion, Sam Allardyce, former manager of Bolton Wanderers, lauded the talent of Jay-Jay Okocha, stating that the Nigerian legend would be worth £100 million in today's market. Allardyce expressed surprise that more Premier League clubs did not pursue Okocha during his playing career, emphasizing his world-class skills and impact on the game.

The controversies surrounding Carragher's AFCON comments and Barton's defense have sparked a broader conversation about respect for African football and the recognition of African talent on the world stage. As discussions continue, it is clear that these remarks have touched a nerve and ignited a passionate debate about the contributions and achievements of African players and tournaments.