Nottingham Forest, Leverkusen battle for Nigeria U-20 star

Nottingham Forest and Bayer Leverkusen are competing to sign 18-year-old Nigerian striker Abdoulaye Agbejoye from Grassrunners FC, with a move abroad close to completion.

Forest are currently regarded as the leading contenders for the Nigeria U-20 prospect, but Leverkusen remain serious rivals for a player who has become one of the country’s most sought-after young talents. The final destination has not been confirmed, although England is considered the likelier option.

Agbejoye made his name during the Nigerian Youth League Cup, where he finished as the competition’s leading scorer and collected the Player of the Tournament award. His displays for Grassrunners have also earned attention because of his physical strength, ability to protect possession and speed when running at defenders.

Those qualities have led to comparisons with Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. He has also been likened to former Nigeria striker Rashidi Yekini, with his goalscoring record and powerful style prompting hopes that he can eventually help fill the void left by the Super Eagles great.

The teenager was part of the Flying Eagles squad that finished runners-up at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Ivory Coast. Nigeria reached the final before losing to Burkina Faso, with Agbejoye’s involvement adding to his growing profile at international youth level.

Forest are interested in making him part of their long-term plans. A loan move could form part of the pathway if he joins the Premier League club, allowing him to gain regular senior football before attempting to compete for a first-team place. The transfer could also see him work alongside Nigeria defender Ola Aina at Forest.

Agbejoye’s progress in Europe would place him closer to a senior Super Eagles opportunity under coach Eric Chelle. He has already received a national-team call-up, and continued development could accelerate his route into the senior squad as he follows the path of fellow Nigerian export Godwin Raphael, who recently joined Stade de Reims in France.