Unveiling the Secret of Liverpool Wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, 16: His Brother’s Influence, According to Former Coach Who Also Signed Chelsea Star
RIO Ngumoha has transformed from a young kid at a Chelsea training facility into an emerging superstar in English football.
Ngumoha’s first coach, Terry Bobie-Agyekum, eagerly watched on television as the teenage winger became Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer, instantly gaining fame.
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When Ngumoha capitalized on Mo Salah’s assist, Bobie-Agyekum had no doubt about what would happen next.
He remarked: “I was certain he would score.
“His ability to outmaneuver defenders and take shots is what distinguishes him.
“It was surreal. Truly enthralling. It proves that dreams can become reality.”
Ngumoha’s aspirations began in the small playing areas and cages of East London.
Bobie-Agyekum expressed: “All credit belongs to his older brother James.
“He trained with him daily at the Powerleague cages in Beckton.
“Everything he learned stemmed from years of practice with James.
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“Rio joined Chelsea’s pre-academy in East London, in Barking, at around six or seven years old while I was coaching there.
“He was with us for less than a year, joining late due to a late birthday in August.
“What stood out was his exceptional footwork and relentless determination.
“At that age, it’s challenging to predict if someone will become a top player. You can recognize potential, but the road ahead is long and unpredictable.”
Bobie-Agyekum and his fellow coaches identified enough talent to suggest Chelsea sign Ngumoha when he became eligible to move to their Cobham center at under-nine level.
A few years later, in 2021, he witnessed the rapid advancement of the young athlete when fate crossed their paths again.
Ngumoha was a student at Kingsford Community School and earned the chance to represent the Borough of Newham in the London Youth Games.
This multi-sport competition for youngsters includes Olympic icons like Mo Farah and another Liverpool player, Raheem Sterling, among its alumni.
Bobie-Agyekum, who established the elite grassroots club Levels FC in 2018, coached the Newham team for this one-day tournament.
He stated: “Each year they invite someone to lead the team, and since I was involved with Levels, they reached out to me.
“So Rio and I reunited for the competition, which featured five or six-a-side matches.
“Though it was for Year 9 students, Rio was in Year 8, and he had significantly improved.”
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“He displayed remarkable confidence, embodying an impressive level of composure.
“He was a performer, capable of altering the outcome of a game with ease.
“It’s unfortunate there weren’t any cameras back then like the Veo systems we have now.
“The goals he scored were extraordinary—just the placement of the ball and the way he outperformed other players. He was an extraordinary talent, the pivotal factor for us.”
A local newspaper reported that Ngumoha netted the first goal as Newham took a 2-0 lead against Havering in the semi-finals.
Havering managed to equalize, but Newham surged ahead once more with three minutes left, and Ngumoha secured the win “with a brilliant run and a fantastic finish just moments before the whistle.”
Ngumoha scored in the final against Islington as well, leading Newham to a 3-0 victory.
Less than four years later, Ngumoha celebrated his Premier League debut with a memorable 100th-minute goal against Newcastle.
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Bobie-Agyekum remains humble, refusing to take credit for Ngumoha’s achievements, while rightfully feeling proud of what he and Levels FC have accomplished.
Since its establishment in Barking in 2018, the club has won numerous local titles, with 80 of its players securing spots in top academies.
Five have turned professional, including Ayden Heaven, who moved to Manchester United from Arsenal in February.
Bobie-Agyekum balances being the CEO of Levels with his role as area coordinator for Chelsea in East London.
His standout success story is Josh Acheampong.
He said: “Josh was the first player I signed for Chelsea.
“I went to assess a striker, but Josh marked him out of the match, so I recommended him instead.
“Josh’s journey has been more subdued, but he recently made the first team under Mauricio Pochettino and hasn’t looked back since.”
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Bobie-Agyekum is aware that Ngumoha’s switch from Chelsea to Liverpool last year was met with significant backlash from the Blues.
However, contrary to Ngumoha’s earlier statements suggesting a preference for Manchester United, his former coach affirms that he has always supported Liverpool.
Bobie-Agyekum noted: “Rio’s transfer sparked controversy, but that’s football for you. It’s cutthroat.
“His brother is courageous, and so is Rio. Plus, he’s a Liverpool follower, so it was never a dilemma.”
Following Ngumoha’s stellar performance against Newcastle, all eyes will be on Sunday, as Liverpool hosts Arsenal, which is expected to include another rising star from London.
Max Dowman, aged 15, made history as the second youngest player in Premier League history when he came on for the Gunners and subsequently won a penalty in their 5-0 triumph over Leeds.
Ngumoha and Dowman might cross paths at Anfield this weekend.
Bobie-Agyekum shared: “I observed Dowman last year when Southampton Under-18s led Arsenal 3-0.
“He scored twice to bring the game to a 3-3 draw.
“But I believe Rio has the edge as a player.”
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