Seimeyeha Akekoromewei: How a rising 16-year-old football talent can fuel a great future

At just 16 years of age, Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromewei has the potential to become one of the best strikers Nigeria has ever produced.

The teenager has a keen eye for goal and she showed that this evening with a brilliant finish in Nigeria's U-20 win over Tanzania in a bid to qualify for the U-20 Women's World Cup.

Soccernet.ng, following an interview with the Falconet, highlights how she can become a standout footballer in the coming years.

Janet who hails from Ese-Odo in Ondo State got a big boost to her promising career by scoring her first goal for the Nigeria U-20 team, marking the beginning of an impressive journey on the international stage.

She's 186m tall, and with clinical finishing prowess that goes beyond her years, she is a versatile forward who can seamlessly transition between roles as a striker, falling deep as a number ten or to the flank when necessary. Now, with a goal for the Super Falconets, she stands on the brink of something extraordinary.

Her journey began in Lagos, nurtured by the Asisat Oshoala Academy, and has now taken a giant leap forward with her inclusion in the national youth team.

The youngest of eleven children, Akekoromewei comes from a family with a football tradition. Her elder brother, Godspower Akekoromowei, a professional footballer himself, has been a guiding force, echoing the family's dream of seeing her play for the senior national team.

With her sights set on playing professional football and representing Nigeria at the highest level, Akekoromewei understands the importance of the right environment and mentors.

“I want to play at a higher level, at a better place, to be the best version of myself,” she said.

Her commitment to continuous improvement is evident as she works on enhancing her qualities to evolve into a complete striker, as she looks to emulate her idol, Asisat Oshoala.

“I love the game, and my idol is Lionel Messi. I also watch Asisat Oshoala and try to be like her,” she shared.

Having role models like Oshoala has not only inspired her but has also provided a blueprint for success.

As Janet's star blossoms, the onus is on nurturing her potential in the right environment, with the support of mentors who understand the nuances of the game and can guide her through the challenges of professional football.

Her journey is a testament to the promising future that lies ahead for women's football in Nigeria. Seimeyeha Akekoromewei, with her first goal for the U-20 team, is a symbol of the bright future that awaits Nigerian women's football.

As she continues to evolve and strive for excellence, the footballing world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the remarkable story of this young and talented forward.