Adegbuyi: Why Barcelona will battle Real Madrid for Nigeria’s World Cup-winning star

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi could be heading for a move to Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing the Nigerian teenager.

The two clubs have taken notice of the 16-year-old forward following her performances at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where she helped Nigeria’s Flamingos win their first title.

Adegbuyi played in all seven matches, scoring twice and providing an assist as Nigeria became the first African country to win the competition.

Her performances have reportedly caught the attention of scouts from both Spanish clubs, who are following her progress as they consider a move for the FC Robo Queens forward.

A move to Barcelona would see Adegbuyi follow in the footsteps of Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala, who enjoyed a successful spell at the Catalan club.

Adegbuyi’s rise attracts European interest

Adegbuyi has enjoyed an impressive year at club and international level.

She scored 11 goals across the regular season and Super Six playoffs of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League campaign, earning the NWFL Premiership Player of the Season award.

She later joined Edo Queens on loan for the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, where her performances earned her the Player of the Tournament award.

The teenager also won the same individual prize at the WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup after helping Nigeria claim the regional title.

Her performances have made her one of the most talked-about young players in Nigerian women’s football, with reported interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid adding to the attention surrounding her future.

Nigeria teenager shortlisted for CAF award

Adegbuyi could end her remarkable year with another individual award after making the shortlist for the 2026 CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year prize.

She is joined by fellow Nigerian Janet Akekoromowei, with nominees from Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Morocco, Senegal and Tanzania also in contention.

The awards ceremony will take place in Lagos in December.

Adegbuyi has made no secret of her ambition to establish herself on the international stage. Speaking in an interview with content creator Femi Pereira, she said: “My aim is to be in a bigger place, to be known in Nigeria, in Africa and the whole wide world.”

The youngster is back in Nigeria following the Flamingos’ World Cup triumph. The team was recently received at the State House in Abuja by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.