New Liverpool teenage hero Rio Ngumoha is eligible to play for Nigeria's Super Eagles

NIGERIA-eligible teenage striker Rio Ngumoha has become the youngest ever Liverpool goalscorer in the club's history when he netted a winner against Newcastle yesterday in an English Premier League at St James Park.

Coming on as a second half substitute, Ngumoha announced his arrival on the big stage with a stoppage-time winner, enabling Liverpool to take all three points with a 3-2 victory.  At just 16 years and 361 days old, the winger became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s 133-year history and the second most youthful scorer on the history of the English Premier League.

Ngumoha struck in injury time with a superb finish after latching onto a brilliant through ball from Mohamed Salah, beating the Newcastle the goalkeeper with a close-range effort into the right side of the net. His goal has sparked discussions within the Nigerian football community about his eligibility for the Super Eagles and whether he could be one to watch in the near future.

Born in Newham, East London, to Nigerian parents of Igbo heritage with family roots in Abia and Lagos, Ngumoha is eligible to play for both England and Nigeria. He has represented England at the youth level, however, where he featured for the U17 side and remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles at senior level.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea’s academy in 2024 after eight years at Cobham, where he was widely regarded as one of the Blues’ brightest talents. His decision to move north raised eyebrows at Chelsea but his form in the Liverpool youth ranks have justified the move as Ngumoha is now getting the recognition he deserves.

He impressed during pre-season with goals and assists, before being given his Premier League opportunity and then delivering that decisive strike against Newcastle. Following his impressive performance against the Magpies, Ngumoha has provided coach Arne Slot with another attacking option and added depth to the Liverpool squad.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Ngumoha will be prepared to play for Nigeria, following in the footsteps of other English-born Eagles like Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will be expected to approach the youngster soon to sound him out.