Ghana international Mohammed Kudus has revealed that Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha remains his biggest African inspiration, crediting the former Super Eagles captain for influencing his dribbling style and attacking creativity.
The West Ham United midfielder, known for his close control, skill and ability to beat defenders one-on-one, explained that Okocha’s flair and confidence on the ball played a major role in shaping his approach to the game.
“Jay-Jay Okocha has been a huge influence on the way I dribble and take on defenders. I like a lot of players, but from Africa, I would say it’s Jay-Jay Okocha,” Kudus said.
Okocha enjoyed a legendary career spanning over two decades, representing clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Bolton Wanderers and Fenerbahçe. The Nigerian playmaker made 73 appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring 14 goals, and helped Nigeria win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and secure Olympic gold in 1996.
Kudus, meanwhile, has emerged as one of Africa’s brightest attacking talents. The 25-year-old has earned over 45 caps for Ghana, scoring more than 10 international goals, while at club level he has recorded over 50 goals and assists combined in European football.
The former Ajax midfielder has built a reputation for his explosive dribbling, versatility and ability to operate across multiple attacking positions — qualities that mirror some of the traits that made Okocha one of Africa’s most admired footballers.
Kudus’ admiration for Okocha highlights the lasting influence of African football icons on the next generation of players.
