By Ayodeji Ismail
Jelil Kamaldeen, a young Nigerian footballer and grandson of the first Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammed Kamaldeen Al-Adaby, is defying expectations with his passion for football. Despite his family’s background in Islamic teachings, Jelil has chosen to pursue a career in football, and his hard work is paying off.
After helping his team, Kwara Football Academy, win the inaugural Pro Route League, Jelil revealed his ultimate goal: to win the World Cup for Nigeria. Speaking to journalists, he said, “My dream is to play in Europe, win the UEFA Champions League, and the World Cup for Nigeria.”
Jelil’s journey has not been without its challenges. He acknowledged that his family’s Islamic background made it difficult for him to pursue football initially. However, his mother’s unwavering support has been a driving force behind his success.
The young midfielder, who has grown through the ranks of Kwara Football Academy, has been instrumental in his team’s success. His impressive performance earned him the Man of the Match award in the league’s final game.
Interestingly, Jelil credits his Islamic background for his confidence on the field. “Anytime I want to play football, I pray and read the Quran, and that gives me the confidence to perform well,” he said.
With a trial stint abroad under his belt, Jelil is set to finalize a deal with a European club. As he takes the next step in his football career, his dreams of winning the World Cup for Nigeria are slowly taking shape.