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Chelsea have set their sights on Nigeria’s teenage midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen after his eye-catching display for the Flying Eagles against Norway at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, Footynaija.com reports.
The 16-year-old came off the bench in the 78th minute of Nigeria’s opener, injecting energy and nearly dragging his side level in a game that ended 1-0 to the Norwegians.
The youngster’s fearless runs and sharp decision-making didn’t go unnoticed, with Chelsea scouts understood to be monitoring his progress, according the Sun UK.
Our Midfielder Kamaldeen Abduljelil Mustapha is in the squad of the Nigeria U20 traveling for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile
— Kwara Football Academy (@KFAilorin) September 14, 2025
Congratulations Zizou #WeAreKFA pic.twitter.com/wCPuRj1lcc
Chelsea’s Head of Talent Management for Africa, Seyi Olofinjana, is particularly expected to track his performances closely throughout the tournament.
Kamaldeen, a product of Kwara Football Academy, has been tipped as one of the brightest prospects in Nigerian football.
In Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Norway, 16-year-old Abduljeleel Kamaldeen was applauded by the fans when he came on, with every touch cheered.
— Adeshina Muiz Opeyemi (Jr) (@adeshin__jr) September 30, 2025
12 mins played
89% pass accuracy
1 chance created
3 touches in opposition box
3 passes into the final third#U20WC #FlyingEagles pic.twitter.com/WpZcdNSOM9
The exciting lad first caught the Blues’ attention earlier this year at the WAFU Zone B U20 Cup in Ghana, where he scored in a 4-1 win over Benin and impressed again against Niger and Ivory Coast en route to Nigeria’s title.
Quick, inventive, and unafraid to take risks, the teenager has already been likened to Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, with some in Nigeria daring to mention the name of Iwobi’s uncle, the mercurial Jay-Jay Okocha.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, FIFA rules forbid the international transfer of players under 18. That means Kamaldeen would not be able to move to Stamford Bridge until 2027. For now, the focus remains on his role with the Flying Eagles, with head coach Aliyu Zubairu considering starting him in Nigeria’s crunch clash with Saudi Arabia.
