Former Ghana coach, Charles Akonnor has thrown his weight behind Mohammed Kudus for the prestigious African Player of the Year Award.

Kudus made an immediate impact at West Ham following his transfer from Ajax last summer, swiftly establishing himself as a key player.

The impact of Kudus at West Ham

The Black Stars playmaker had a standout season in both the English Premier League and European competitions with West Ham United.

During the past season, Kudus scored eight goals and provided six assists in the Premier League and five goals in the Europa League for West Ham, per Transfermarkt.

Beyond his club achievements, the 24-year-old has been a crucial player for Ghana’s national team.

During the Africa Cup of Nations, Kudus shone as Ghana’s top performer, earning two Man of the Match awards for his role as an attacking midfielder.

The case of Ademola Lookman

Kudus will be vying for this year’s award against Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman. Atalanta's victory over Leverkusen in the 2023/24 Europa League catapulted the Super Eagles marksman to the forefront of the race for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.

Lookman's historic hat trick in the final was the first in a one-legged European final since Pierino Prati's trio for AC Milan against Ajax in the 1969 European Cup, per Diario AS.

The win also ended Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten streak and secured Atalanta’s first trophy in 61 years. For Gian Piero Gasperini, aged 66, it marked his first-ever managerial trophy, making the night a remarkable one for the Super Eagles striker.

Reason Kudus should win Africa Player of the Year

However, former Black Stars coach Akonnor is confident that Kudus has the qualities needed to secure the African Player of the Year award.

The ex-Wolfsburg midfielder believes the ex-Ajax maestro has been the most impactful African player from last season and into the upcoming campaign.