Benfica have completed the signing of highly-rated Nigerian forward Janet Akekoromowei, as the 18-year-old put pen to paper on a contract until 2028, with the club holding the option to extend the deal by a further two years.
The six-time Portuguese champions announced the transfer on Wednesday, confirming that the promising attacker will join their women’s team for the 2026/27 season.
Akekoromowei arrives in Portugal as one of the brightest young talents in Nigerian women’s football. A product of the Asisat Oshoala Academy, she has represented Nigeria at both U-17 and U-20 levels, featuring for the Flamingos and the Falconets.
She played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2025 WAFU B U-20 Girls’ Cup and was instrumental in helping the Falconets secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
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At club level, the teenager has rapidly risen through the ranks. During the 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League season with Nasarawa Amazons, she scored 13 goals in 19 matches, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award and finishing among the competition’s top scorers.
Her performances earned her a move to Bayelsa Queens in 2025, where she continued to establish herself as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects. Although a reported move to Barcelona was halted after she suffered a serious injury in February 2026, Akekoromowei has now secured a transfer to one of Europe’s top clubs.
Speaking to Benfica TV after completing the move, the Nigerian youngster expressed her delight at joining the Portuguese giants.
“I’m happy. Benfica is a great club. It’s a privilege to be here, to help the team win trophies and achieve great things,” she said.
The forward spoke of her determination to embrace the challenge and contribute to the team’s ambitions.
“I know Benfica is a great club. I want to be part of this family. I’m ready to give my best, help my teammates and achieve our goals for the season.”
Akekoromowei also revealed that former Benfica star Christy Ucheibe, who recently departed the club after a successful six-year spell, played an important role in her decision.
“Christy Ucheibe plays for the senior national team. I watched her play for Benfica and win titles, and I want to achieve the same. She told me many good things about Benfica,” she said.
Sharing the advice she received from her compatriot, Akekoromowei added: “Christy loves the club and told me that I have to be humble, pursue my dreams and be a good person.”
The teenage forward concluded with a message for Benfica supporters, saying: “Dear fans, I’m here. Come on, Benfica!”
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