Jay Jay Okocha: “AFCON, the trophy Salah is missing”

Despite an exceptional club career, the Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah remains in search of a continental crown, deemed essential by two Nigerian legends on the eve of the Egypt–Senegal semifinal.

Two giants of Nigerian football have offered their analysis. Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha and John Obi Mikel spoke about the crucial importance that the Africa Cup of Nations holds for Mohamed Salah, still in search of a continental title with Egypt.

Despite an enormous trophy haul, notably including Premier League titles and the Champions League with Liverpool, the Reds’ winger has never won the Africa Cup of Nations. A shortcoming that the two former Super Eagles consider decisive in the perception of his career on the African continent.

On the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal pitting Egypt against Senegal, on Wednesday in Morocco, the two legends shared their views during a debate broadcast on Channel 4 Sport. ‘Salah will absolutely want to win the Africa Cup of Nations, because it’s the only major trophy that he lacks’, said John Obi Mikel.

Austin Okocha, for his part, broadened the thinking: ‘In Africa, you can win everything with your club. But if you win nothing with your national team, you are not considered a true legend.’ An additional pressure on Mohamed Salah’s shoulders, more than ever under the spotlight.