Mohammed Kudus was unexpectedly singled out during a strange rant by the FA president.

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus is a crucial player both for his club and his country, Ghana.

The 24-year-old attacker joined the Hammers from Ajax in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth around £38 million.

Although he was outstanding for West Ham last season, he has struggled to replicate that form this term under head coach Julen Lopetegui.

Tensions reportedly surfaced between Kudus and Lopetegui during the halftime break of West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, where the two had a disagreement.

However, West Ham’s owners swiftly contacted Kudus’s representatives after the incident, reassuring them that everything was fine between the player and the manager.

Sources close to Kudus have also denied rumors that the two needed to be separated during the altercation.

With this issue now behind them, the focus is on moving forward, both for Kudus and the club.

Kudus’s motivation may have been bolstered further after being name-checked by a top football official in Ghana.

The 24-year-old is preparing for two crucial AFCON qualification matches against Sudan in the next few days, with much of Ghana’s hopes resting on his shoulders as their standout player.

In a speech on Ghana’s official YouTube channel, Ghana Football Association President Kurt E.S.

Okraku singled out Kudus, reminding him of the team’s legacy: “When Kudus, you were not born, this team existed. This team was represented.”

Okraku’s statement seems to be an attempt to humble Kudus, Ghana’s star player, ahead of these important fixtures.

While it’s an interesting approach, the question remains how Kudus will respond to this public challenge.

It’s unusual for a football official to single out one player, but it could serve as motivation for the talented winger.

Despite a slow start to the 2024/25 season with West Ham, Kudus showed signs of regaining form in the team’s recent 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

The upcoming AFCON qualifiers come at a good time for him, offering valuable minutes on the pitch to build up his match fitness.

As Kudus continues to work toward full sharpness, it’s crucial he avoids injury during these international fixtures, as West Ham faces a challenging run of games against top Premier League sides such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Newcastle, and Arsenal.

The Hammers will be counting on Kudus to be at his best over the next month.

His performances for Ghana against Sudan could offer insight into whether he’s on track to regain his top form.

The words from Ghana’s FA president may serve as added fuel to push Kudus back to his peak.