Nottingham Forest & Leverkusen to battle for Nigeria U-20 star

Premier League side Nottingham Forest and former Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are set to go head to head for the signature of exciting Nigerian youngster Abdoulaye Agbejoye, Soccernet.ng reports.

The highly rated teenager has emerged as one of the brightest Nigerian prospects this summer and could soon be on his way to Europe from Nigerian academy side Grassrunners FC.

The 18-year-old has been likened to Manchester City forward Erling Haaland because of his imposing figure and style of play. Agbejoye uses his body well to shield the ball and has the pace to beat defenders, which has drawn comparisons with the Norwegian striker.

Agbejoye was one of the breakout stars of the Nigerian Youth League Cup. He finished as the competition's top scorer and was also named Player of the Tournament after an impressive campaign with Grassrunners.

The teenager was also an integral part of the Flying Eagles team that finished second at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Ivory Coast. Nigeria reached the final but were beaten by Burkina Faso.

Nottingham Forest lead race for Abdoulaye Agbejoye

Nottingham Forest are currently the frontrunners to sign the exciting youngster, although they face serious competition from Bayer Leverkusen.

A source close to the player revealed that a move abroad is imminent, with a deal close to being finalized. Agbejoye could soon take the next step in his career and potentially develop into one of Nigeria's next big stars.

“We have another top forward in the mould of the late, great Rashidi Yekini. I still call him King Yekini because ever since he passed away, there has been a massive vacuum in Nigerian football”, the source said, via Footy-Africa.

“But with his playing style, I believe we will soon have a proper replacement for him in the national team.

“Hopefully, he will be heading abroad very soon. He is performing exceptionally well and is actively being monitored. Now that he has earned a call-up to the national team, things should move even faster.

“I cannot disclose the specific clubs just yet. Sometimes it is best to keep details under wraps until the deal is fully finalised”, the source concluded.

Abdoulaye Agbejoye: Nigeria's next star in the making?

At just 18, Agbejoye has already drawn comparisons to Haaland and Super Eagles great Rashidi Yekini because of his goalscoring exploits and impressive style of play as a striker.

He is already attracting plenty of interest and could soon become another big Nigerian export following Godwin Raphael, who recently moved to Stade de Reims in France.

A move to England currently looks likely, which could see Agbejoye link up with Super Eagles defender Ola Aina at Nottingham Forest.

The Tricky Trees are keen to sign him as an important part of their long-term plans. If the deal goes through, it is also possible that Agbejoye could be loaned out to gain regular playing time and continue his development before returning to Forest to challenge for a place in the first team.

An impressive spell in Europe could also move him closer to a senior Super Eagles call-up under coach Eric Chelle. With Agbejoye already involved with the Flying Eagles, it could only be a matter of time before he receives his maiden senior invitation if he continues on his current trajectory.

He could eventually go on to represent Forest at the highest level and establish himself as one of Nigeria's biggest football stars.

With a move abroad now imminent, Agbejoye has potential to become one of Nigeria's next major exports and even become one of the country's biggest football stars in the future.