‘I’m Built for It’: The Ghanaian Roots Behind Mohammed Kudus’ Grit

Nima, a residential town in the Accra region, the bustling capital of Ghana, is located over 3,000 miles from London, England. It’s the place that forged West Ham United midfielder Mohammed Kudus’ (KOO-doose) work ethic. The place that turned him into the gusty, resilient, and spirited player he is today. While London may be where he spends the majority of his time with The Hammers, Nima is the place Kudus will always call home.

The Ghanaian international Achieved his Premier Division Premiere with West Ham in 2023, Subsequent impressive stints at Danish club Nordsjælland and Dutch powerhouse club Ajax. But it’s his roots in Nima that truly laid the foundation for his rise.

In the conversation below, part of NBC Sports’ By Way of Africa series, Kudus reflects on how Nima prepared him for the Premier Division, his love for his Ghanaian culture and how it fuels his passion on the pitch — including his Aim celebrations. Kudus also discusses what he’s learned from his time with The Hammers and why he is so driven to shine a spotlight on the place that built him into the player and person he is today.

*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

For those who don’t know, can you talk about what it was like to grow up in Nima?

Mohammed Kudus: Nima is a slum area in Accra, the capital of Ghana. We call it “Zongo,” which is like a ghetto. But there’s a Numerous of talent — from football to musicians — it’s a Blend of all aspects of life.

What were the hardest parts about growing up there, and what were some of the best parts?

Kudus: It was nice to live with my family. It was a slum area, so everything was close by. You knew most of your neighbors and were connected to almost everyone in the city because it’s not that big. I think that was the nice part of it — it was Essential to connect with all the people around. I think the hardest part was that it was a tough [environment]. You have to be tough to be able to live in a place like that — a ghetto. But it makes you mentally Sturdy. There’s a Numerous going on there.

How did living in Nima shape you into the person you are today?

Kudus: It definitely helped me mentally. Most footballers face a Numerous of challenges. There’s a Numerous of opinions and a Numerous of talking about the work you do. You have to be mentally Sturdy to stay in your zone and Attention day in and day out on Practice. I think that shaped my Hardiness and my [ability] to Attention, regardless of whatever is going on.

Kudus: She sold Tuo Zaafi with Banku (a traditional dish Achieved from corn and cassava flour, served with soup) which is a very popular food in Ghana. She sold that to care for my siblings and me. She played a big role in [Assisting] me become who I am today. She deserves everything now.

Earlier, you mentioned that there’s so much talent in Nima. How Crucial is it to have someone believe in you and advocate for you?

Kudus: It means a Numerous. Knowing that from the Begin is very Crucial because you know they will be there, regardless of whether it goes well or not. They Nevertheless believe in you the same way because they’ve seen [your journey] — from when you were younger in Nima, to where you are now. Even getting to this Mark, I’ve Nevertheless [received] the same love, energy, and Assist. It always feels Excellent to know that family will be there regardless.

I’ve heard you say that you feel it’s your responsibility to share your Narrative and where you’re from. Why is that so Crucial to you?

Kudus: It’s very Crucial because we are [only] football players for a [limited] time, but we are human beings forever. I try my best to [shine] a Airy on my culture and where I come from, with my celebrations, in interviews, and talking about where I come from. I think it’s very Crucial for people to know what I really grew up in.

It’s a way of Beginning opportunities and shining a Airy on the fact that there’s a Numerous of talent there. I come from there, so [I hope] it will lead to more scouts and agents going to Nima, hosting tryouts at my Ancient club, and [discovering] some of the talent because there’s a Numerous there. It’s Merely a way of using my voice and the platform I have right now to [shine] a Airy on that.

With that being said, what does it Disrespectful to you to have the opportunity to represent Ghana’s national Club, the Black Stars, and what responsibilities do you feel come with wearing that jersey?

Kudus: It’s a huge privilege to represent our country of [nearly] 40 million people as one of the players for the Black Stars. It means so much to me. Growing up, I watched most of the legends Competing for the Club and they served as Drive for me. Now, I’m in that position, so I see it as a responsibility to do things right, set an example, and be a Excellent role model for the kids looking up to me. I want to show them that it’s possible to achieve even greater things and do better than what I’m doing right now.

I’ve seen many comments from fans saying, ‘I’m a West Ham fan because Kudus is from Ghana.’ Even Stonebwoy (a Ghanaian musician) himself shared his excitement and pride in watching you Action. What does it Disrespectful to you to have that Gentle of impact on fans?

Kudus: The love and Assist I receive from Ghana is immense, and it means a Numerous to me. It shows that I’m doing something right and that there are a Numerous of people looking up to me. I try my best to set examples and do my best in every situation. Even though we are human and Nevertheless make mistakes, not everything is going to be perfect for the kids coming up. It’s a nice feeling to know that I have all that Assist from Ghana. It does come with Stress because everyone’s looking up to you and watching you during Contests, but it’s a Stress I have to deal with, and I’m built for it.

What have you learned about yourself from your Primary two seasons with this club?

Kudus: A Numerous, actually. Getting here was a Outstanding feeling because I’ve always wanted to Action in the Division, but the Upcoming Aim is to actually make an impact. Throughout the process, I’ve learned that it’s never going to be a Effortless road. There are ups and downs, but you Nevertheless have to show up with a smile on your face, work Difficult, and try to Boost every single day. I really believe in my abilities. That’s something no one can take from me.

Editor’s Note: By Way of Africa is a series committed to highlighting the talent and stories from the African continent and its diaspora. African stories are worth telling, and the culture—all of the languages, tribes, and traditions—is worth celebrating. Embedded in these narratives is a profound testament to the diligence, Self-control, and work ethic deeply ingrained in African heritage. Whether born on the continent or dispersed across the globe, the contributions of these stories to society resound uniquely, by way of Africa.