After Leaving Chelsea Last Summer, Nigerian Forward Rio Ngumoha Makes Historic Debut for Liverpool
Rio Ngumoha’s move from Chelsea to Liverpool last summer has been rewarded, as the 2008-born Nigerian forward made his professional debut for the Reds in an FA Cup match against League Two side Accrington Stanley at Anfield on Saturday.
Ngumoha, who turned down a scholarship offer from Chelsea, joined Liverpool in September 2024, initially playing for the U18s. His debut came as a surprise, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot choosing to start the teenager in the FA Cup game against Accrington Stanley.
At just 16 years and 135 days old, Ngumoha became the youngest-ever player to feature for Liverpool in the FA Cup, breaking the previous record held by Trey Nyoni.
Though Ngumoha impressed in the first half, he appeared less lively in the second and was substituted in the 72nd minute for Jayden Danns.
Liverpool secured a 4-0 win, advancing to the FA Cup fourth round with goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns, and Federico Chiesa.
Before this historic debut, Ngumoha had been an unused substitute in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup quarterfinal match against Southampton last month. He had also appeared in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League earlier this season.
