The duo of Kwara Football Academy (KFA) midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen and Wireless FC winger Tahir Maigana have set their sights on achieving success with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Flying Eagles will kick off their campaign at the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup with a Group F opener against Norway on Monday, 29 September. Kamaldeen and Maigana are eager to help the team secure its first-ever title, having previously lost in the finals in 1989 and 2005.
Kamaldeen was included in the Flying Eagles’ final squad by coach Aliyu Zubairu for the FIFA U-20 World Cup following a series of outstanding displays for Nigeria at the WAFU B U-20 tournament in Ghana earlier this year, despite the team losing to Ivory Coast in the final.
The young midfielder, who is the grandson of the revered first Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Kamaldeen Al-Adaby, scored a goal to help the Flying Eagles come from behind to beat Benin Republic 4-1 in their final group game, securing a place in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U-20 tournament.
Following a fine outing against Benin, Kamaldeen made the starting XI ahead of Ezekiel Kpangu in a slight change to coach Zubairu’s line-up, and he was equally impressive as Nigeria defeated Niger Republic 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 0-0 in regulation time, setting up a final against Ivory Coast.
Having played a prominent role for Nigeria at the WAFU B U-20 tournament, Kamaldeen made the cut for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Just last week, he was in action for the Flying Eagles in a friendly match, where they drew 1-1 with host nation Chile in Rancagua.
The 16-year-old, whose ability to control the midfield and inspire play has been widely praised by coaches and analysts alike, will aim to help Nigeria defeat Norway in their opening group match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
As he prepares to don the green and white jersey on the world stage, Kamaldeen, despite being the youngest player in the Flying Eagles team at just 16, carries with him the hopes of millions of Nigerians and the prayers of the Ilorin Emirate.
