Michael Essien has tipped Mohammed Kudus to lead Ghana’s charge at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder as “our star” and urging the Black Stars to protect and nurture their standout talent.
Ghana’s squad is likely to carry a distinct FC Nordsjaelland flavour when the team touches down in North America later this year. Since the Accra-based Right to Dream Academy acquired the Danish club in 2015, a clear pathway has emerged for Ghanaian talent to develop in Europe.
Players such as Kudus, Ibrahim Osman, Ernest Nuamah and Kamaldeen Sulemana have all followed that route and are expected to feature prominently at the tournament, co-hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The relationship between Ghana and the Danish side goes beyond player development. In 2020, Essien – a former Black Stars stalwart with 59 caps, who featured at Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014 – joined FC Nordsjaelland as assistant coach.
The role offered him an unparalleled chance to work closely with the nation’s emerging stars.
“I knew the former owner, Tom Vernon,” Essien told FIFA. “He asked if I would be interested in coming here. What motivated me was the FCN and Right to Dream connection. We have many African boys here, and it felt right to help guide them. These young players are our future, and it gives you immense joy to see someone you’ve worked with represent their country.”
Essien reserved glowing praise for Kudus and Sulemana – two of the academy’s most successful graduates. While Kudus had moved to Ajax before Essien’s arrival, he singled out both players – now at Tottenham Hotspur and Atalanta – for special attention.
“If I start talking about him [Kudus], we won’t finish!” Essien laughed. “He has shown himself to the football world. He’s one of the biggest talents, and for Ghana, he’s our star.”
“We have to protect him, give him confidence and make sure he feels supported. Sulemana is a great talent too. I watched him develop here; he’s quick, strong, a brilliant dribbler. He needs to feel free on the pitch, be himself, and the rest will follow.”
The talent pipeline shows no sign of slowing. Versatile midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi is among a new generation making waves for the Tigers, having already earned ten senior caps – mostly at right-back.
“I can only say good things about him,” Essien remarked. “He’s hard-working, calm, respectful, and lets his football do the talking. Sometimes I see glimpses of my younger self in him. He comes to me with questions, takes advice on board, and I believe he can become a huge player in the future.”
Ghana will contest Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. After missing out on AFCON 2025, Essien believes the Black Stars will be particularly motivated to make a mark in North America.
“Of course, it was a big disappointment, but in football you have to move on,” he said. “The beauty of the game is there’s always the next match to set things right. It’s a tough group, but there are always tough games. They need to approach every match seriously, do their best, and see where the tournament takes them. Anything can happen,” Essien stated.
With Essien mentoring the new generation and a cluster of Nordsjaelland alumni in the squad, Ghana’s World Cup campaign promises a blend of youthful flair and European-honed experience. Mohammed Kudus, Essien insists, will be at the centre of it all.
“The good thing in football is you always have the next game to make things right. That’s a tough group.”
“But there’s always tough games to play, and it’s up to you to win them. They should take every game as it comes and do their best. It’s a tournament… anything can happen. You just have to make sure you win your games and keep moving. Let’s see what they can do.”
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh