Feature: The making of next generation of Ghana's world-class players

Two Ghanaian youngters Razak Nuhu and Mohammed Abu are in the books of big spending English side Manchester City after a modest start in in the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana.

“I had to go. It was my only choice.” these are the words of  Mohammed Abu one of Ghana’s next generation of world-class players on how his career started.

At a training camp in Spain with his Norwegian team Stromgodset, Abu chats with his best friend and new team-mate Razak Nuhu.

Abu tells a Norwegian newspaper of the story of how he sacrificed everything to pursue his football dream.

He was a little boy at the age of eight who decided to leave his village in Ghana, leaving behind family, friends and safety.

“I chose football. I chose my dream. But my family was not happy when I decided to travel. They first said no. They thought I was too young to go,” Abu said.

“But I told them that I loved to play football, and since I had no team to play for in the village so they let me go anyway.”

Abu moved to Sunyani, two-hour drive from his home village. He played for a local colts team, and lived at the home of the club's chairman.

He still remembers how greatly missed by his parents was the first year.

“It was hard not being with my family. It is also not easy to live with another family," says Abu.

His parents worked as farmers in the village. They could not afford to come on a visit to Sunyani.

“If I met people from my village, I invited them home to meet my new family. It was hard to see my own family,” he said.

After four years with the chairman, 12-year-old Abu Mohammed was picked up by Right To Dream Academy in Accra

Tom Vernon, the founder of the Academy, remembers a boy with wonderful qualities who made an impression on him instantly.

“Abu stood out immediately he set foot on the pitch. His ball control and first touch was quite clear," said Vernon, the man nurturing the next generation of Ghana’s world-class players with his impressive concept. At the academy met Abu another 12-year-old, who would later become his best friend. Razak Nuhu got the chance after impressing in a local colts league in his home town of Tamale, located in northern Ghana.

“There are only a few who have the opportunity to go to the academy. We were lucky, "said Razak and looks over at his friend who nods in the affirmative.

The chance to be offered scholarships by Right to Dream Academy is very difficult.

According to Tom Vernon he observed a total of 20,000 persons last year and only 12 received scholarships.

“Today we have around 50 students at the academy. Since inception we have worked with more than 80 guys," said Vernon.

The Academy was founded in 1999 and is based in the capital Accra.

Besides football training, students also get some circular education - including mathematics, English and social studies.

Tom Vernon believes Abu and Razak and have had positive development since they were part of the Academy in 2004.

“Razak was a very quiet, withdrawn boy, but he has evolved to become a very social and talkative young man. Abu has always been confident both on and off the field, always with a smile and good humor," says Vernon.

Both boys have been training to stay at Manchester United, Everton, Fulham and Manchester City.

Manchester City handed both players a contract and with the stature of the English side, both players must be very talented. Abu signed a three-year contract last summer, while Razak will formally sign for City this summer.

Abu and Razak thank Tom Vernon and the academy that their dream have come true.

Now the 19-year-olds are excited to be signed by Stromsgodset on loan deals six and a half years after they first met at the Academy in Accra.

“We can not play yet for such a big club like Manchester City, and therefore it is important to have gained experience in Strømsgodset,” said Razak.

“ In Ghana, I played a bit in the 2nd division, but in Strømsgodset there is a whole other level. I develop myself as a player, and I am very happy to be here, "says Abu.

The boys are hoping to find a common abode as soon as they return from training camp in Spain.

Abu has been living at home with coach Ron Deila since he came to Strømsgodset last summer, but admits it will be good to get something special.

“It's not easy to live with the coach," said Abu.

Abu, and it appears that the midfielder will have a key role this season.

The 19-year-old has started all training matches, and even impressed a number of them.

“Abu just gets better and better, and he makes fewer mistakes than before, "said Deila. “Razak has also made a solid first impression, and if progress continues, it is a good chance that he gets first choice at left-back this year.”