Latest News
Nigeria invite Benfica teenager Janet Semenya Akekoromowei to 2026 U20 World Cup
Nigeria have invited new Benfica signing Janet Semenya Akekoromowei to join the Falconets squad for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The request for the 18-year-old striker’s participation has been sent to Benfica, according to ScoreNigeria, only days after she completed her move to the Portuguese champions.
Akekoromowei joined Benfica on 22 July after leaving Nigerian football and has signed a contract running until 2028. The agreement includes an option for the club to extend her stay by a further two years.
Her invitation represents another significant stage in the forward’s rapid return from a serious ankle injury which had threatened to prevent her move to Europe earlier this year. She has also been named alongside West Brom midfielder Chidubem Arinze in Nigeria’s plans for the tournament.
Akekoromowei had established herself as one of the leading young players in the Nigeria Women’s Football League before her transfer. She played for both Nasarawa Amazons and Bayelsa Queens, was voted the NWFL Most Valuable Player and ended the league campaign as the division’s second-highest scorer with 13 goals.
Her progress was halted in February when she sustained a severe ankle injury while representing Nigeria’s U20 side against Senegal in a World Cup qualifier.
The injury forced her planned move to Barcelona to collapse. Her agent had already travelled to Spain to finalise a three-year contract, but the extent of the problem meant the proposed transfer could not go ahead.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen later helped to support Akekoromowei’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. After signing for Benfica, she dedicated the contract to him.
Benfica played a role in her recovery and completed the transfer after overseeing the final stages of her rehabilitation and return to fitness. The move now gives Akekoromowei the opportunity to return to the Falconets squad at a major international tournament.
The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will take place in Poland from 5 to 27 September. Nigeria have been drawn in Group F with Spain, China and New Caledonia.
Akekoromowei has already represented Nigeria at both U17 and U20 level, while she has also been involved with the senior Super Falcons. Her physical strength and record in front of goal could provide another attacking option for the Falconets, particularly in a group containing Spain, widely regarded as the strongest team in the section.
Nigeria have reached the final of the U20 Women’s World Cup twice, losing to Germany in 2010 and 2014. They also reached the semi-finals in 2012.
The Falconets have qualified for every edition of the competition since it was first staged in 2002. Akekoromowei’s potential inclusion adds another experienced young forward to a squad aiming to win the world title for the first time.
