Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi is optimistic that Benni McCarthy’s appointment as head coach of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, will significantly contribute to creating a more competitive squad for the East African nation.
The 47-year-old South African striker took charge of the role on March 4, 2025, having signed a contract that extends through the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Since stepping into his new position, McCarthy, who has previously managed South African Premier Division side AmaZulu and served as an assistant at Manchester United, has presided over two matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers during March.
In Group F, Kenya displayed resilience by pulling off an impressive 3-3 draw against Gambia during matchday five at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Ivory. However, they faced disappointment at home, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.
McCarthy is the ideal coach for Harambee Stars
Despite a challenging start to his tenure, the 38-year-old Obi Mikel, celebrated for winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 and the Europa League the following year, firmly believes McCarthy will thrive in his new role.
“I wish the Kenya national team all the best in their development. It’s always exciting to see Kenya compete in tournaments; they bring a unique spirit to the game. I sincerely hope they keep progressing,” he stated.
“I know Benni personally; he’s a great guy and an accomplished coach. I wish him the very best and I hope he effectively nurtures the national team while also scouting young talent. One day, we might witness the next Messi, the next John Obi Mikel, or the next Cristiano Ronaldo emerging from this region.”
McCarthy’s upcoming challenge includes two World Cup qualifying matches against Gambia and Seychelles in Nairobi this September. At present, Kenya is languishing in fourth place in the group with six points from six matches. Ivory Coast leads with 16 points, Gabon follows closely with 15 points, and Burundi sits in third with 10. Gambia and Seychelles round out the table in fifth and sixth place with four and zero points, respectively.
Carragher’s remarks on AFCON were misguided
Mikel, who began his professional journey with Plateau United in Nigeria before moving to Lyn in Norway at the age of 17 in 2004, responded to the dismissive comments made by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In his analysis of the Liverpool vs Manchester City match on February 23, where Liverpool came away with a 2-0 win, Carragher controversially claimed that AFCON lacks significance.
Carragher made these remarks while discussing Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah’s performance, who netted the first goal for Liverpool, speculating on whether he could be a contender for the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious global award for the best player.
He went on to imply that Salah must secure a Champions League victory to have a shot at winning the Ballon d’Or, due to AFCON being perceived as an insignificant tournament by voters.
“I stand by what I said earlier; Carragher is mistaken, and he knows it. He has since apologised, but as Africans, we must always defend our tournament, our identity, and what makes us a proud continent,” articulated Mikel, who participated in five AFCON tournaments, clinching the title in 2013, and has represented Nigeria in two World Cups and won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics.
“For Carragher to make those comments, he realised immediately that he was in the wrong, and he should not have said such things. The Africa Cup of Nations is a massive tournament, and I feel fortunate to have participated in it many times and to have won it.”
“Both the Euros and AFCON hold equal importance, much like the Asian Cup. For me, it’s a monumental tournament, and I hope that Kenya, set to host it in 2027, will have a spectacular event under McCarthy’s guidance.”
Having enjoyed a 14-year international career from 2005 to 2019, and earned 91 caps for Nigeria, scoring six goals, Mikel emphasised: “It’s enormous, and I hope that as Africans, we will keep sharpening our skills and advancing our culture. We must advocate for our identity, so the next generation sees how we value our tournament and uphold who we are.”
“Growing up, the Africa Cup of Nations provided me with tremendous inspiration, so when faced with someone undermining that legacy, I cannot accept it; I will always protect it. We owe it to the young players of tomorrow to stand up for our heritage, as they will aspire to play in AFCON one day.”
Mikel wishes both Nigeria and Kenya well at the U20-AFCON
As Kenya prepares to meet Nigeria in the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations on May 7 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Mikel was asked for his thoughts on the match’s outcome.
“Nigeria boasts an abundance of talent, and I am confident that Kenya has a wealth of talent as well. It promises to be an exciting match, a delight to watch. For us in Nigeria, we aim to excel and win AFCON every chance we get, and I believe Kenya shares that ambition too. May the best team emerge victorious,” Mikel stated.
Having spent 11 successful years at Chelsea, winning numerous titles including two Premier League championships, four FA Cups, and the 2011–12 Champions League, before enjoying shorter stints at Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, Stoke City, and Kuwait SC, he also called on the African continent to safeguard and nurture its football.
“It’s crucial for us to continue fostering African football because it is vast and significant; our nations and continent are immense. The passion for football unites us all; when the game stops, it feels like everything comes to a standstill,” he shared.
“We must live and breathe football; that is our reality, and we cherish it. As long as we work on developing these young talents, trust me, I started from humble beginnings, and no one anticipated that I would achieve what I have. We must never take anything for granted. I hope to see these young stars on my television screens one day.”
Kenya suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat in their U20 Group B opener against Morocco, while Nigeria triumphed in their opening match against Tunisia with a 1-0 victory.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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