After leaving Chelsea last summer, 2008-born Nigerian forward makes historic debut for Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha's decision to leave Chelsea for Liverpool last summer has been justified as the 2008-born forward made his professional debut for the Reds in an Emirates FA Cup clash against League Two opponents Accrington Stanley at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

The left-sided forward turned down a scholarship offer from Chelsea before completing his move to Liverpool in September 2024, initially joining the U18s.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot made an interesting decision to start Ngumoha against the side from the fourth tier of English football, giving him the opportunity to make a historic debut.

Aged 16 years and 135 days, the dual-national attacker is the youngest-ever player to have represented Liverpool in the FA Cup, breaking the record previously held by Trey Nyoni.

Ngumoha will not be nervous stepping out on the pitch to play for Liverpool again, having received valuable minutes against Accrington Stanley.

The talented teenager was impressive in the first half but appeared subdued in the second, before making way for Jayden Danns in the 72nd minute.

Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a commanding 4-0 win, thanks to goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, substitute Jayden Danns, who replaced Ngumoha, and Federico Chiesa.

Before Ngumoha's historic FA Cup debut, he was an unused substitute against Southampton in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup last month. 

He played his first games in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League in the current season. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: liverpoolfc.com

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