Abduljelil Kamaldeen, a promising Nigerian U20 talent, has caught the attention of Chelsea Football Club, with reports from Soccernet.ng indicating the Premier League side is actively scouting him.
At only 16 years old, this product of the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most exciting young footballers, already drawing interest from top-tier European clubs.
UK media outlets, including The Sun, have even compared him to the legendary Nigerian playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha, suggesting Kamaldeen could be his worthy heir.
From Kwara Football Academy to the Flying Eagles
Kamaldeen’s ascent in Nigerian football has been nothing short of meteoric. Earlier this year, he was selected for the Flying Eagles squad competing in the WAFU B U-20 Championship held in Ghana, becoming the 21st player from KFA to don the national colors at the international level.
Despite being the youngest member of the squad, Kamaldeen demonstrated exceptional composure and tactical intelligence, orchestrating play from midfield with impressive vision and seamless transitions between defense and attack.
Shining Bright at the WAFU B Championship
One of Kamaldeen’s most memorable contributions came during Nigeria’s thrilling comeback against Benin Republic, where he scored a vital goal in a 4-1 triumph that propelled the Flying Eagles into the semi-finals.
This standout performance solidified his position in coach Aliyu Zubairu’s plans and earned him a spot in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Kamaldeen’s Impact at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile
Currently competing in Chile, Kamaldeen continues to impress with his inventive playmaking skills. Alongside teammate Tahir Maigana, he has pledged to give his utmost effort to lead Nigeria to their first victory in the tournament.
His midfield presence is viewed as pivotal for Nigeria’s strategy against Saudi Arabia, where his ability to dictate the pace and unlock defenses could prove decisive.
Chelsea’s Interest Intensifies
According to reports from England, Chelsea’s scouting team is closely following Kamaldeen’s development, identifying him as a promising long-term investment who could evolve into a key midfield asset at Stamford Bridge.
#INFO: Chelsea are reportedly pursuing Nigerian midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who is set to shine at the FIFA U20 World Cup. #BlueCo‘s global scouting network is focused on the tournament in Chile this month, targeting youngsters playing above their age group.
(Simon Barlow) pic.twitter.com/Z0asVxmjs3
– BlueCo Xtra® (@Bluecoxtra) October 1, 2025
Currently valued at approximately €25,000, Kamaldeen’s market worth is expected to surge significantly should he maintain his impressive performances on the global stage.
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