Africa Cup of Nations, established in 1957, is the premier football competition for African nations, held every two years. The tournament has grown significantly in both size and prestige, now featuring 24 teams competing for the continental title. Over the years, AFCON has been the stage for footballing greats such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Aboutrika, Aubameyang, Sebastian Haller, Ballon D’or Winner George Weah, and Mohamed Salah. The competition has also played a crucial role in showcasing African talent to the global footballing market, with many players securing contracts with top European clubs after standout performances.
The just concluded AFCON 2023 held in Cameroon saw an astounding 2.2 billion video views across digital platforms, a massive surge from the 350 million views in 2021—marking an impressive 657% increase. This remarkable growth reflects the expanding African digital audience. Social Media Boom: The impact of social media was undeniable, with AFCON 2023 amassing 2.1 billion impressions across all platforms. This underscores the immense potential for brands to enhance visibility and engage with a highly enthusiastic fanbase. The numbers don’t lie—AFCON is bigger than ever, and brands, fans, and football purists are taking notice.
Yet, despite this undeniable growth, Jamie Carragher decided to take a cheap shot. His recent comments suggesting that Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances are hurt by AFCON were not just misguided—were insulting and ignorant. During a Sky Sports segment, he implied that AFCON lacks the prestige of European and South American tournaments. That didn’t sit well with Micah Richards, who immediately shut it down, reminding him that AFCON is a major international competition with deep roots and immense importance. Rio Ferdinand didn’t hold back either, branding Carragher’s take as “ignorant” and emphasizing that for African players, winning AFCON is just as prestigious as winning the Euros.
Carragher’s comments are a prime example of the wider issue in football—an outdated Eurocentric bias that downplays African football’s significance. The same tournament that has produced legendary players, unforgettable moments, and now record-breaking engagement continues to be undervalued by pundits who refuse to look beyond their own backyard. This mindset is holding football back, failing to embrace the true global nature of the game.
AFCON is the premier football tournament in Africa, showcasing the continent’s rich talent and competitive spirit. However, it often faces undue criticism, particularly from European-based analysts who fail to recognize its significance. Unlike the European Championship, AFCON is frequently labelled as an ‘inconvenience’ due to its scheduling in January and February, a time when European club football is in full swing. The lack of respect for AFCON and African football in general is not a new phenomenon. Players representing their countries often face pressure from clubs and even public scrutiny in Europe, as if choosing national duty is a betrayal. This kind of rhetoric would be unimaginable for European players competing in the Euros or South American players taking part in the Copa América.
What CAF and AFCON Can Do
CAF (Confederation of African Football) and AFCON must take active steps to challenge these narratives and elevate the tournament’s global status. Here are some ways to do so:
- Stronger Media Representation CAF should invest in high-quality media coverage, ensuring AFCON is broadcast with top-tier analysis and production. Engaging with African football legends and international voices who respect the competition can help reshape its perception.
- Strategic Partnerships Forming alliances with major broadcasters and football institutions can ensure AFCON gets the same level of global attention as other continental tournaments. CAF must negotiate better TV rights deals to enhance the tournament’s financial power and visibility.
- Firmer Stance Against Disrespect When prominent pundits or clubs undermine AFCON, CAF and national federations should not remain silent. Issuing official responses, demanding apologies, and calling for accountability will set a precedent that African football cannot be disregarded.
- Enhancing the Tournament’s Prestige Increasing prize money, improving infrastructure, and ensuring top-level officiating will boost the tournament’s credibility. African nations should also emphasize the importance of AFCON through stronger promotion at home and abroad.
The Role of African Players and Fans
African footballers playing in Europe also have a role to play in shifting the narrative. African players have immense influence and should continue advocating for the importance of representing their countries. Fans, too, must support African Football and footballers with pride and challenge negative narratives when they arise.
In conclusion, as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and African football reaches unprecedented heights in viewership and global engagement, it’s imperative for pundits and institutions alike to recognize and respect its significance. Football is a global game, and its true beauty lies in embracing and celebrating its diverse tournaments and talents. People Like Carragher must evolve with this inclusive spirit or risk being left behind in an ever-progressing football world.
