Nigerian U-20 Forward, Janet Akekoromowei is set to strengthen Portuguese champions Benfica, with the club expected to officially unveil her on a long-term contract in the coming days.

Akekoromowei’s move marks a significant milestone in her career after overcoming a major injury setback. The Falconets striker suffered a fractured leg and bone crack during Nigeria’s first-leg FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal in Abeokuta. The severity of the injury forced her to leave the pitch on a stretcher and ruled her out of the return leg.

Before the injury, Akekoromowei had been on the verge of joining Barcelona Femení, but the transfer collapsed as a result of the setback she sustained while on national team duty.

After months of recovery and determination, the talented forward has now earned another opportunity to begin her European journey, this time with Benfica, one of Portugal’s most successful women’s clubs.

Her arrival comes after the end of fellow Nigerian midfielder Christy Ucheibe’s spell with Benfica. Ucheibe made a remarkable impact during her time at the club, and Akekoromowei will be aiming to build on that legacy while proudly representing Nigeria on the European stage.

The move is another positive step for Nigerian women’s football, with Akekoromowei expected to continue her development at one of Portugal’s biggest clubs and showcase her talent at the highest level.