Spanish giants Real Madrid and Italian Serie A side Roma are set to do battle over Football Academy Abuja hotshot Suleiman Abdullahi, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Abdullahi finished as top scorer at the recently concluded Mladen Ramljak tournament in Croatia with 8 goals and it has drawn the attention of top clubs in Europe.
The 16 year old was a thorn in the flesh Real Madrid defence in the final game, scoring a goal in the 3-1 victory for the Nigerians who were too strong for the Spanish youngsters although they had superior number of players on the pitch following the sending off of two Real Madrid players.
Aside winning the top scorer award,Abdullahi was also voted the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP) for his all round performance which convinced officials of the Spanish giants to make enquiries about him.
Real Madrid officials held talks with FAA top brass and made their intentions known about Abdullahi and part of their plans involves tieing him on a pre contract as he is not yet 18 and having him train with their youth side once in a while.
However AS Roma have a very good relationship with the Abuja Academy in areas of players transfer as they presently have seven of the Academy products in their youth set up which gives them the edge over Real Madrid in the battle for Abdullahi.
Roma have already sounded FAA out about the teen prospect and are confident they will beat Real Madrid to his signature base on their relationship and business of the past with the Abuja based side.
*Daniel Martins
