The aggressive defender of Ghanaian descent was outstanding with great performances against their elite division rivals throughout the month in the ltalian top-flight so far this term

lreland-born Ghanaian defender James Abankwah has been named Udinese Calcio Player of the Month for September, his club have announced.

The 22-year-old centre-back, who had more than one-and-a-half-year successful loan spell at English Championship side Watford, was adjudged with the individual coveted prize following his impressive outings against Lazio, Inter and Cagliari, with a goal to cap off the month of September in splendid fashion in the Serie A football competition.

A statement from the club's official website read: ''The Irish defender has been named the club’s Player of the Month award for September. 

''Ahead of kick-off of Udinese v Lecce, James Abankwah received the Player of the Month award for September, sponsored by The Black Stuff.

''James was selected following his impressive performances against Lazio, Inter and Cagliari, culminating in the goal at San Siro.''

Abankwah, who is currently enjoying a breakthrough season in this campaign, has so far made 8 appearances across all competitions for the White and Blacks in this ongoing Serie A 2026/27 season.

Given his Ghanaian heritage, the Waterford-born native remains unfit to switch international allegiances from lreland to Ghana by representing the Black Stars at the international level having been cap-tied 7 times by the lreland national football team so far.

lnstagram: Hass_ansas01