National Teams
Nigerian wonderkid Janet Akekoromowei reveals advice behind SL Benfica move
New Benfica signing Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei has revealed that Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe played a key role in convincing her to join the Portuguese champions, describing the Nigeria international as a major source of inspiration.
The highly rated Nigerian forward, who recently completed her move to Benfica on a contract running until 2028, with an option to extend for a further two years, said Ucheibe’s experiences and advice gave her the confidence to take the next step in her career.
Akekoromowei arrives in Lisbon as one of Nigeria’s brightest young attacking prospects and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Ucheibe, who established herself as one of Benfica’s most successful foreign players before leaving the club.
Speaking after her unveiling, the youngster admitted that watching Ucheibe’s achievements with Benfica strengthened her ambition to wear the famous red shirt.
“Christy Ucheibe plays for the national team. I watched her play for Benfica and win titles, and I want to achieve the same,” Akekoromowei said.
“She told me many good things about Benfica.”
Ucheibe enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with the Portuguese giants, winning multiple domestic honours while becoming an integral member of the club’s midfield and one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers in Europe.
Her success made her a role model for many young Nigerian footballers, with Akekoromowei now hoping to continue that legacy at the Estádio da Luz.
Beyond recommending the club, Akekoromowei revealed that Ucheibe also offered valuable personal guidance ahead of the move, encouraging her to remain grounded despite the opportunity.
“Christy Ucheibe loves the club and told me that I have to be humble, go after my dreams and be a good person,” she explained.
The advice, she said, perfectly reflects the attitude she intends to bring to Benfica as she begins what she hopes will be another successful Nigerian story at the Portuguese powerhouse.
The move represents another significant milestone in Akekoromowei’s rapidly developing career and provides an opportunity to test herself at one of Europe’s leading women’s clubs.
Benfica have become renowned for developing young talent while competing regularly in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, offering the Nigerian forward an ideal environment to continue her progress.
Akekoromowei also took the opportunity to address Benfica supporters, expressing her excitement about representing the club and calling on the fans to back the team throughout the season.
“Dear fans, I’m here. Go, Benfica!” she said.
With the endorsement of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished midfielders and the ambition to emulate Ucheibe’s achievements, Akekoromowei now begins a new chapter that both player and club hope will be filled with silverware and continued development.
