Super Eagles-eligible midfielder Huang Shenghao makes history with China call-up
Huang Shenghao, the 19-year-old midfielder born to a Nigerian father and Chinese mother, has received his first senior China call-up after impressing at club and youth international level.
Huang Shenghao has received his first call-up to China’s senior national team, putting the 19-year-old midfielder in line for a possible international debut despite being eligible to represent Nigeria through his father.
Born in Guangzhou to a Chinese mother and Nigerian father, Huang has developed through the Chinese football system and currently plays for Guangdong GZ-Power.
The defensive midfielder has established himself as an important player for the club after helping them secure promotion before making the step up to the second tier.
His recent progress has also been recognised at international level, having represented China’s youth teams and featured prominently for the Under-19 side at the Maurice Revello Tournament in France earlier this year.
Huang started all four of China’s matches at the competition and reportedly impressed with his performances in midfield. His senior promotion comes after another encouraging spell at club level, where he has become a regular in the centre of the pitch.
He also scored his first league goal for Guangdong GZ-Power during their 3-0 victory over Changchun Yatai in August. China have now included the teenager in their latest senior training camp as part of preparations for the Chongqing International Football Invitational Tournament.
The team is scheduled to face Maldives, New Zealand, Palestine and Tajikistan during the international window. If Huang makes his senior debut, the milestone would mark another significant step in the rapid rise of a player who has attracted attention because of both his performances and his Nigerian-Chinese background.
