German 2. Bundesliga side FC Cologne has officially announced the signing of Berlin-born Nigerian offensive player Chilohem Onuoha. The 19-year-old, who is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also play as a centre forward and right winger, joins FC Cologne from RB Leipzig’s youth team.

Onuoha will spend the 2024-2025 season on loan at third-tier side SC Verl. Details regarding the financial terms and the length of the deal have not been disclosed per club policy.

During the 2023-2024 campaign, Onuoha scored five goals and provided three assists in fifteen appearances in the A-Junioren Bundesliga North/Northeast. His season was initially hampered by a syndesmotic ligament tear, causing him to miss the first three months.

Notably, Onuoha started for RB Leipzig in their 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the round of sixteen of the UEFA Youth League last season.

In his first words as an FC Cologne player, Onuoha expressed his excitement: “I chose FC because I felt a lot of trust in the discussions. I also have the opportunity to develop myself here. I have friends in Cologne who have been following FC for a long time and who have told me a lot about the club. I really want to be able to play in the RheinEnergieSTADION one day and will work hard to achieve this goal. Playing for SC Verl in the 3rd division is a good step to start my senior football career.”

Onuoha has previously played for the youth teams of Hertha BSC and Füchse Berlin and has represented Germany at the U19 level.