Ekong Joins Mikel in defending Africa Cup of Nations as a major tournament

Carragher, a current television pundit, recently downplayed the importance of AFCON, referring to it as not a "major tournament." His comments sparked significant backlash on social media, with both current and former African players voicing their disagreement.

Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Saudi Arabia's Al Kholood, responded with a passionate message on his X (formerly Twitter) account @WTroostEkong, emphasizing the contributions of Africa to the global football scene.

"The African continent, just like the others around the world, has contributed immensely to the beautiful game that we all love," Troost-Ekong wrote. "So let's not waste time comparing but rather celebrate one of the crown jewels of the game (AFCON), which brings us all together."

The former Watford defender took pride in his football journey, having played in seven different countries, and highlighted his participation in AFCON as one of his proudest achievements.

"I am proud to have played club football in seven nations across continents, and everywhere I go, I see how football unites people," Troost-Ekong continued. "Representing Nigeria at the Olympics, the World Cup, and now three AFCONsâ”it's the latter that I hold most dearly."

He also praised the achievements of Ademola Lookman, who helped Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League last season by scoring a hat-trick in the final. Lookman's performance earned him the title of African Player of the Year.

"I must also speak for all the boys and girls without a voice on our continent for whom this tournament is their ultimate dream. For my teammate, Ademola Lookman, for example, who, despite being raised in the diaspora, chose to proudly represent Nigeria," Troost-Ekong noted.

"A player whose talent now lights up Champions League nights, with a record-breaking performance to win the Europa League and being crowned Africa's Best. He shares the same major dream of becoming champions of Africa, just like the rest of us."

Troost-Ekong, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire, is already looking forward to representing Nigeria in the 2025 edition of the tournament in Morocco.

"Despite losing the final in Ivory Coast this time last year, the tournament was undeniably exciting from start to finish. This only makes us look forward to the 2025 edition later this year in Morocco. Can't wait to enjoy and compete with some of the world's finest talent," he added.

Troost-Ekong's defense of AFCON comes after Carragher suggested that Mohamed Salah's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or would depend on him winning the Champions League, as AFCON is not viewed by voters as a "major tournament."

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