Liverpool offer academy scholar contracts to three Nigeria-eligible teenagers

ENGLISH Premier League giants Liverpool has handed academy scholar contracts to three Nigeria-eligible teenagers who now join the club's 2026/27 intake of youngsters that will feature in its U18 squad next season.

Under English Premier League rules, all players in their U17 year are required to start the 2026/27 season on a scholarship agreement before they are permitted to sign a first professional football contract on or after their 17th birthday. As a result, Joshua Abe, Shadrach Ekiugbo and Daniel Majekodunmi have all signed Liverpool academy scholar contracts.

In a statement issued on its official website, Liverpool announced that all three players have been promoted to Liverpool's U18 squad for the upcoming season. In his final year as a schoolboy, Abe impressed with a return of eight goals and three assists in 10 appearances in the U18 Premier League, while also making his debut in the Uefa Youth League.

Despite reported interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, the 15-year-old has ended speculation over his future by committing to the Anfield club with a scholarship agreement. On the international stage, Abe has also featured for the England U16 team, scoring four goals in eight appearances.

Ekiugbo, also an England U16 international, has likewise gained valuable experience at U18 level, making his debut in the U18 Premier League against Nottingham Forest last November. All three Nigeria-eligible players were accompanied by their parents and family members for the occasion, where they were also presented with special commemorative caps in recognition of their achievement.