Growing up in Nima has an impact on how I play – Mohammed Kudus
Black Stars attacker, Mohammed Kudus has acknowledged the profound influence of his upbringing in Nima on his footballing journey.
The 23-year-old, who hails from Accra's Nima community, was discovered by the Right to Dream Academy.
Reflecting on his formative years, the West Ham United forward emphasized the resilience instilled in him by his upbringing in Nima.
“Mentally it’s a very tough area,” he told The Guardian. “You have to be very tough to live there. If you are soft people walk on you. It has an impact on how I play. In 50-50 challenges I don’t want to lose it. I work on my body and make sure I am very strong on the ball.”
“There are no rules over there!” he says. “It’s all in. You have to be very strong.”
Kudus highlighted the misconception surrounding Nima, shedding light on the plethora of professional footballers who have emerged from the area.
“When you say Nima it’s like there’s a lot of violence happening there, it’s like a ghetto and you need to be street smart and tough to stay there,” Kudus says.
“There’s a lot of professional players from there. It’s why I always keep mentioning where I come from. There can be talent as well.”
Having kick-started his career with FC Nordsjaelland after his stint at Right to Dream, Kudus garnered attention with his stellar performances, eventually securing a move to Ajax.
Despite interest from various clubs, he ultimately signed with West Ham United, eager to continue his journey of defying stereotypes and showcasing the talent that exists within communities like Nima.
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