The Republic of Ireland have stolen a march on Nigeria in the race for the international future of 18 year old Benfica U-23 forward Jaden Umeh by handing him a maiden invitation to their senior team, OwnGoalNigeria.com.
Born to Nigerian parents in the Irish city of Cork, he is a teammate of another Nigerian in Peter Edokpolor for the U23 of the Portuguese side and was rumoured to be on the radar of the senior national team of Nigeria.
Nigeria chances of luring him has however taken a huge knock as he is part of the seven new players included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time for May’s friendly against Grenada.
He began his career with Cork City in the League Ireland, making his debut in November 2023 aged just 15, making him the youngest ever player to make a senior appearance for the club.
Umeh also became Cork City’s youngest goalscorer when he netted against Wexford FC, aged 16 years and 14 days.
He went on to make 15 appearances for the club before joining Portuguese club Benfica in July 2025, where he is currently a member of the U23 squad.
Umeh has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U16 and U17 level. He was named in the squad for the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar where his performances earned him a call to join the U21 squad.
Now he will get to experience the senior set-up for the first time.
