Leeds United have completed the signing of Nigeria international Leonard Ngenge, bolstering their defensive ranks with one of Africa’s brightest young prospects.
The 18-year-old centre-back joins the Yorkshire club from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars and will initially link up with Leeds United’s academy setup as part of his development pathway.
Despite his tender age, Ngenge has already tasted senior international football. He made two appearances for Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), earning selection at just 17 years old in Eric Chelle’s squad—a clear testament to his maturity and potential.
Highly rated for his composure, physical presence, and reading of the game, Ngenge is seen as a long-term investment by Leeds United as they continue to recruit promising young talent from across the globe.
His move also represents another milestone for Remo Stars, who continue to gain recognition for developing players capable of making the step up to European football.
Ngenge now begins a new chapter in England, with eyes firmly set on progressing through the ranks at Elland Road and building on his early international experience with Nigeria.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
