Newly-signed Benfica striker Janet Akekoromowei has joined up with the Falconets at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after missing Nigeria’s opening Group F fixture against Spain.
The 18-year-old forward was absent from the squad for Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Spain due to documentation issues relating to her continued stay in Portugal.
While the exact nature of the documentation was not disclosed, the process delayed Akekoromowei’s return to the Falconets after she recently completed a permanent move to Portuguese giants Benfica.
However, as confirmed on the official Super Falcons X (formerly Twitter) page, she has now arrived in Poland and linked up with her teammates, providing a timely boost to Moses Aduku’s side as they prepare for a crucial second group game.
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The Falconets were beaten 2-0 by Spain in their opening fixture, with Marisa Garcia and Alba Cerrato scoring for the European side. The result left Nigeria third in Group F, ahead of only New Caledonia, who also suffered defeat in their opening match against China.
Nigeria now have to secure victory against China on Thursday to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. Another defeat would leave the Falconets facing the possibility of an early exit from the tournament.
Akekoromowei’s return could therefore prove significant, particularly given her previous contributions to the national team.
The forward played an important role in Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament, scoring crucial goals. She also featured at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, showing her valuable experience at this level.
Akekoromowei‘s goalscoring record makes her a major attacking threat. During the 2024/25 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) season with Nasarawa Amazons, she scored 13 goals in 19 appearances, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award and finishing among the competition’s leading scorers.
Her impressive campaign earned her a move to Bayelsa Queens in 2025, where she continued to attract attention as one of Nigeria’s brightest young attacking talents. She also played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2025 WAFU B U-20 Girls’ Cup.
With the Falconets now needing a positive result against China, Akekoromowei’s arrival comes at an important moment. Her experience, quality and goalscoring ability could provide the attacking spark Nigeria need to revive their World Cup campaign.
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