Footy-Africa can exclusively report that the future of Nigerian football prospect Abduljelil Kamaldeen is expected to be decided in the coming months, with Chelsea and KAA Genk competing to sign the highly rated midfielder.
The 18-year-old has attracted interest from several European clubs following his performances for Nigeria U-20 national football team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Chelsea are understood to have maintained a strong interest in the midfielder, while Belgian side Genk are also pushing to secure his signature.
Kwara Football Academy’s Head of Football Operations, Ibrahim Jatto, confirmed both clubs have made offers for the player.
“Kamaldeen, you know, he’s still a minor and there are a lot of interests,” Jatto exclusively told Footy-Africa. “He was in Chelsea two weeks ago, he was in Genk, and we are looking for the best possible opportunity for him to develop appropriately before he turns 18.”
Chelsea begin talks to sign Nigeria U-20 star Abduljelil Kamaldeen
“But he’s in Europe at the moment and nothing concrete. Chelsea has offered a deal, Genk has offered a deal, and we are looking for the best. He’s in Nigeria at the moment; he will be back to Belgium on the 2nd of April and hopefully, we hope a decision will be made by the summer on where he will be going to,” he concluded.
Kamaldeen, who plays for Kwara Football Academy, also impressed during the WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup in Ghana in 2025, scoring in Nigeria’s 4-1 victory over Benin and playing a key role in wins against Niger and Ivory Coast as the Flying Eagles lifted the title.
