By Stephen Simon
Teenage Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha could still choose to represent Nigeria at senior international level despite earning a call-up to England’s pre-World Cup training camp.
The 17-year-old winger, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Liverpool F.C. this season, has been included by Thomas Tuchel for upcoming friendly matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica in the United States.
Ngumoha made 18 appearances and scored twice for Liverpool during the season, attracting widespread attention with his pace, creativity and maturity beyond his age.
He joins a group of highly-rated youngsters including Ethan Nwaneri, Alex Scott and Josh King in the England camp ahead of the pre-World Cup friendlies in Tampa and Orlando.
However, the invitation does not permanently tie Ngumoha to England.
Under FIFA regulations introduced in 2021, players who make up to three senior appearances before turning 21 can still switch allegiance, provided those matches are not at major tournament finals. The rule has allowed several players to reconsider their international futures after early senior call-ups.
England midfielder Declan Rice famously benefitted from the regulation after representing the Republic of Ireland in friendly matches before switching to England in 2019.
Ngumoha remains eligible to play for four countries — England, Nigeria, France and Guadeloupe.
Born in London, the youngster qualifies for Guadeloupe and France through his mother, while his Nigerian father keeps the door open for the Super Eagles.
Although Ngumoha has represented England at youth level and appears likely to continue with the Three Lions, Nigeria will still hope to convince one of Europe’s brightest young talents to commit his future to the Super Eagles.
Speaking on the inclusion of the young players, Tuchel said England would carefully manage their workload during the friendlies.
“We will take some young players out who will train with us in the size of the squad that we need, and we have the two friendly matches to take care of the minutes and the load on the players,” Tuchel said.
