Falconets have received a timely boost ahead of their second FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Group F fixture, with Benfica forward Janet Akekoromowei finally joining the Nigeria squad in Poland, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The 18-year-old was part of the final squad selected for the tournament but was unavailable for Nigeria’s opening game against Spain, which ended in a 2-0 defeat.
Akekoromowei had remained in Portugal to complete documentation connected to her continued stay in the country and her status with Benfica, delaying her arrival in Poland.
Her presence now gives head coach Moses Aduku another attacking option ahead of Thursday’s crucial meeting with China, with Nigeria looking to bounce back from the defeat to Spain.
The Super Falcons’ official X account confirmed the forward’s arrival, stating:
“SL Benfica Ladies forward Janet Akekoromowei has now teamed up with the Nigeria U20 girls, Falconets, at the FIFA U20 WWC in Poland.”
Akekoromowei was born in Ese-Odo, Ondo State, and grew up in Lagos. She is the youngest of 11 children and attended Police Children School and Command Secondary School in Lagos.
She first made her mark in the domestic game with Nasarawa Amazons, where she enjoyed an outstanding 2024/25 NWFL Premiership campaign.
The forward scored 13 goals in 19 appearances to finish as the league’s second-highest scorer and was subsequently named the NWFL Premiership Most Valuable Player.
Her impressive form earned her a move to Bayelsa Queens in July 2025 as the Yenagoa-based club strengthened its squad ahead of the new NWFL season and CAF Women’s Champions League campaign.
Akekoromowei quickly became an important member of the Bayelsa Queens team, contributing goals and assists in domestic and regional competitions.
She was particularly influential during the 2025 WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers, where she scored crucial goals and earned Player of the Match honours against Sam-Nelly FC and USFA.
An ankle injury suffered while on international duty later restricted her involvement with Bayelsa Queens, but she still made an immediate impression at the start of the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership season.
Despite her limited appearances, she was voted the league’s Matchday One Top Performer, further underlining her growing reputation.
Akekoromowei will now hope to make up for lost time with the Falconets as Nigeria seek a positive response against China and aim to revive their hopes of progressing from Group F.