Mohammed Kudus, the 24-year-old West Ham attacker, has been in the spotlight both at his club and on international duty with Ghana. After joining the Hammers from Ajax in 2023 for £38 million, Kudus had a stellar season but has struggled to find his top form under head coach Julen Lopetegui this year. Despite recent rumors of a fallout between the player and manager during a 1-1 draw against Brentford, West Ham’s owners quickly reassured Kudus’s camp that everything was fine.

Ahead of crucial AFCON qualifiers, Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku oddly singled out Kudus in a motivational speech, reminding the star that the team existed long before he was born. This gesture, likely intended to humble and motivate the player, has raised eyebrows but may serve to push Kudus to his best performance levels. After a strong showing in West Ham’s 4-1 win over Ipswich Town, Kudus will be looking to build on his momentum during Ghana’s upcoming matches.

West Ham fans will be hoping he returns unscathed, as crucial Premier League fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, and Arsenal loom on the horizon.