Chelsea interested in Flying Eagles midfielder after impressive display against Norway U20s

Premier League giants Chelsea are interested in Flying Eagles midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who has been tipped as one of Nigeria's brightest emerging talents.

According to The Sun UK, the Kwara Football Academy prodigy has caught the attention of the Blues following his lively cameo in Nigeria's 1-0 defeat to Norway in their Fifa U20 World Cup opener in Chile.

Introduced in the 78th minute to replace Salihu Nasiru, Kamaldeen almost salvaged a point for the seven-time African champions, driving into the penalty area late on to create a dangerous opportunity.

Chelsea scouts were first alerted to his ability during the WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup in Ghana earlier this year.

The t16-year-old netted in a 4-1 victory over Benin and impressed again in strong performances against Niger and Ivory Coast in the semi-final and final.

Blessed with pace, flair and sharp attacking instincts, Kamaldeen has already drawn comparisons with Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi.

Some within Nigerian football circles believe he could even rise to the level of Iwobi's uncle, the legendary Jay-Jay Okocha.

Article 19 of Fifa's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players prohibits the international transfer of footballers under 18, meaning Chelsea cannot sign Kamaldeen until 2027 when he reaches the age of majority.

Retired Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana, who serves as Chelsea's Head of Talent Management for Africa, is expected to monitor Kamaldeen closely at the U20 World Cup. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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