Abduljelil Kamaldeen: Who is new Chelsea target being compared to Jay-Jay Okocha?

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles may have opened their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with defeat, but the performance of a relatively unknown teenager has ensured there is still excitement in camp. 

Abduljelil Kamaldeen, a midfielder from Kwara Football Academy, came off the bench against Norway and looked unfazed against opponents several years older.

Chelsea scouts are among those watching closely, with the teenager’s fearless cameo marking him out as one of the most talked-about prospects in Chile.

How old is Abduljelil Kamaldeen?

Born only 16 years ago, Kamaldeen is competing at a level where many of his rivals are almost five years older. He had just celebrated his birthday when he was introduced against Norway, yet played with the assurance of a seasoned professional. His age makes his performances all the more striking.

Where does he play?

Abduljelil Kamaldeen is a product of Kwara Football Academy, a respected nursery for young talent in Nigeria. He first caught the eye as a left-sided winger, creating chances with his pace and direct running. More recently, coaches have shifted him into a central attacking midfield role, trusting him to dictate the rhythm of play and arrive in the box at the right moment.

2024/25 Top Stat

Abduljelil Kamaldeen Mustapha had the 6th Most Goal Contributions for the Academy in the 2024/25 Season.

The Central Midfielder had 11 goal contributions with 5 goals and 6 assists in 31 Appearances #WeAreKFA | #Dragons pic.twitter.com/ZqJah10F7J

— Kwara Football Academy (@KFAilorin) June 23, 2025

How did Abduljelil Kamaldeen rise to prominence?

His reputation was established at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup in Ghana earlier this year. Kamaldeen scored in a 4-1 win over Benin and played an influential part in victories over Niger and Ivory Coast, helping Nigeria to the title. Those displays brought him to the attention of scouts across Europe.

What is his playing style?

Abduljelil Kamaldeen is known for his pace, balance and ability to beat defenders one-on-one. He carries the ball with intent, surging from deep to open up spaces and creating danger whenever he drifts into attacking areas. Equally, he is comfortable linking play and dictating tempo in midfield.

Which Super Eagles star is Abduljelil Kamaldeen compared to?

Observers have likened him to Alex Iwobi, whose blend of close control and vision has been a feature of Nigeria’s midfield in recent years. Yet there are also echoes of Jay-Jay Okocha in the way Kamaldeen plays with freedom and imagination.

Who has he been linked to?

Chelsea’s global scouting operation was alerted to Abduljelil Kamaldeen at the WAFU tournament and has since tracked his progress in Chile. The London club are not alone, but they are understood to have placed him high on their list of emerging talents. For now, the Flying Eagles remain his stage, but European attention is already circling.