Africa’s finest: West Ham in hot chase of 32-goal Nigeria star wanted by Aston Villa, Brighton

West Ham, Aston Villa and Brighton have launched an aggressive pursuit of prolific Nigerian forward Joy Omewa, whose explosive form in Denmark has placed her among world football’s most sought-after young strikers, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 22-year-old Super Falcons rising star has become the headline name in the winter transfer market, with three Women's Super League clubs battling to secure her signature, according to Soccerdonna.

Joy Omewa, currently shining at Fortuna Hjørring, has enjoyed a remarkable year. She started the 2024–25 campaign with 14 goals and four assists in just 17 league matches by mid-April, before helping her club seal a dominant domestic double in Denmark.

Her performances earned her both the Danish Women’s League Player of the Season award and the Golden Boot, achievements that raised her profile to become one of Europe’s fastest-rising finishers.

That form has not slowed. With 32 goals in 35 matches across all competitions in 2025, Omewa stands as Africa’s most in-form striker.

This season alone, she has 13 league goals, three UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying goals and another three in the Europa Cup to take her tally to 19 goals in 22 appearances.

Despite her individual brilliance, Fortuna Hjørring sit three points behind leaders Koge Women in the Danish A-Liga. Yet Omewa continues to lead the scoring charts, staying two clear of veteran Danish forward Nadia Nadim.

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Transfer impact, WSL options and Nigeria’s Super Falcons focus

With her rising profile, the WSL beckons but not all offers appeal equally. West Ham’s struggle near the bottom of the table, with just four points from nine games, could make the London club a less attractive option.

Brighton and Aston Villa, sitting 7th and 8th respectively, present more stable environments, particularly Brighton, who are in urgent need of a reliable goalscorer following Michelle Agyemang’s injury.

A move to either club would likely position Omewa as one of the standout signings of the January window.

Beyond club considerations, any mid-season move could influence her standing with the Super Falcons.

Omewa only received her first senior call-up last month, featuring in Nigeria’s two-legged victory over Benin to qualify for the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. She is eager to secure a place in the squad aiming for an 11th continental title next year.

A strong finish to the European season will strengthen her case, particularly after missing the side that lifted a record 10th WAFCON title in Morocco earlier this year.