Former West Ham standout Frederic Kanoute has voiced his confidence in Mohammed Kudus’ potential to secure the African Footballer of the Year accolade.

Kudus has garnered widespread acclaim during his debut season with West Ham, notching 13 goals in 30 appearances across various competitions. Impressively, he made a mark during his maiden African Cup of Nations appearance in Ivory Coast by scoring twice in a notable 2-2 draw against Egypt.

Such performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with admiration coming from esteemed figures like Frederic Kanoute, the 2007 CAF Player of the Year.

“He is exceptionally talented. Kudus possesses a diverse skill set—he’s robust, agile, and versatile across multiple positions. Despite his youth, he stands out as one of Africa’s most promising players today. I firmly believe he stands a chance,” Kanoute expressed on the Irons Podcast.

During his own tenure with West Ham United from 2000 to 2003, Frederic Kanoute showcased his prowess, netting 27 goals in 76 appearances. On the international stage, he represented Mali, accumulating 23 goals in 38 appearances from 2004 to 2010.