Former Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge has emphasized that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holds the same prestige as the UEFA European Championship (Euro) and Copa America, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
Sturridge made this statement in response to remarks by Jamie Carragher, who suggested that AFCON is not a major tournament while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Carragher’s Controversial Statement
Speaking on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, Carragher implied that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international record could hinder his chances of winning football’s most prestigious individual award.
Sturridge’s Response
However, Sturridge strongly disagreed, asserting that AFCON is on par with other major international competitions:
“If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is on the same level.”
His statement reinforces the importance of AFCON in world football and highlights the respect it deserves as a premier continental tournament.