Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha has put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Anfield, but the teenager’s international future remains wide open, Soccernet.ng reports.
While these moves are happening, the Nigerian football federation are watching closely.
Ngumoha, born in London to Nigerian parents, turned 17 this month and was swiftly rewarded with a three-year deal after bursting onto the scene with Jürgen Klopp’s side.
He wrote his name into Liverpool’s history books when he came off the bench to score a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle in August. This made him the club’s youngest ever goalscorer.
Dominik Szoboszlai was the only Liverpool outfield player who didn’t touch the ball in the build-up to Rio Ngumoha’s winner v Newcastle…
But his dummy created it pic.twitter.com/ld3I4M90Sm
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 28, 2025
That strike, coupled with his Champions League debut weeks later, showed his rise from Chelsea to Liverpool.
Now, while England may feel they have the upper hand, Nigeria could yet mount a serious push to lure him into the Super Eagles’ set-up.
Is Rio Ngumoha Eligible Through Heritage?
Although Ngumoha was born in London in 2008, his Nigerian parentage makes him eligible to represent the Super Eagles.
FIFA rules allow players with dual nationality to switch allegiance if they have not yet featured in a competitive senior match, and with Ngumoha’s international experience limited to England’s youth teams, Nigeria still have every chance of securing his services.
Can the Liverpool New Star Play for Nigeria?
Ngumoha remains eligible to play for Nigeria despite already appearing for England at youth level. FIFA regulations permit a nationality switch provided a player has not made a senior competitive appearance.
This means that the door is still wide open for the Liverpool starlet to don the green and white of the Super Eagles if he chooses.
The Football Association will be keen to tie him down, but the Nigerian Football Federation have a history of swooping in for dual-nationals with strong roots—particularly Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and a host of others.
What Will Make Ngumoha Stand Out in Super Eagles Setup?
Ngumoha fits perfectly into the Super Eagles’ new generation of attack with his pace and eye for goal. For the Super Eagles, securing his commitment early would be a statement of intent.
Upon all, the decision ultimately rests with Ngumoha. Signing a Liverpool contract secures his club future. However, it also raises the stakes in the tug-of-war between England and Nigeria.