CHELSEA scouts are hot on the trail of a Nigerian wonderkid who looks set to light up the FIFA U20 World Cup.
The Blues’ global scouting network has turned its attention to the ongoing tournament in Chile this month, where their focus is on youngsters playing several years above their age group.
3
3
Nigerian midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen is understood to be high on their priority list after showing his vast potential as a late substitute in the Flying Eagles’ 1-0 defeat to Norway U20 on Monday.
Less than three weeks after his 16th birthday, Kamaldeen impressed against players almost five years older than him and almost rescued a point for Nigeria with a late surge into the penalty area.
The teenager could be handed a start in his country’s next game against Saudi Arabia with the eyes of several top clubs now on him.
Chelsea were alerted to Kamaldeen’s talent during the WAFU Zone B U20 Boys Cup in Ghana earlier this year.
The Kwara Football Academy prodigy produced a standout performance with a goal in a crucial 4-1 win over Benin and was equally impressive against Niger and Ivory Coast in the semi-final and final.
He created constant danger as a left-winger in that tournament but his ability to control games from the middle of the park and create opportunities by surging from deep mean he is now being played as a central attacking midfielder.
Kamaldeen’s pace and trickery have seen him compared to Nigerian international Alex Iwobi.
But he has the potential to develop into a star on a similar level to Iwobi’s Premier League legend uncle Jay-Jay Okocha.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Chelsea are known for nurturing young African talent — such as Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel in years past.
And the Stamford Bridge club’s interest in Kamaldeen could mark the beginning of another long-term project.
The Blues already have a 16-year-old Nigerian talent on their books but reportedly refused to release London-born striker Chizaram Ezenwata for the Flying Eagles’ pre-tourament training camp.
Ezenwata, who joined Chelsea from Charlton Athletic as an Under-15 player, remains eligible to represent England, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer is taking an interest in Chelsea’s young stars and gave rave reviews to one youngster after watching an U19s game this week.
3
