Transfer news: Nigeria star completes Benfica deal after failed Barcelona move

Portuguese champions SL Benfica Feminino have completed the signing of highly rated Nigerian striker Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei, Soccernet.ng reports.

Benfica handed the teenage forward a long-term contract that will keep her at the club until 2028.

The youngster arrived in Lisbon this week to complete the final stages of her transfer from Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) side Bayelsa Queens before putting pen to paper on her new deal.

It is the biggest step yet in the career of one of Nigeria's brightest young talents and it gives her the chance to play in the Campeonato Nacional Feminino and the UEFA Women's Champions League.

The transfer is also a reward to Akekoromowei for overcoming a major setback. She had been close to joining Spanish giants Barcelona Femení earlier in the year, but the move collapsed after she suffered an injury while representing Nigeria on international duty.

Rather than allowing that disappointment to slow her progress, the powerful striker fought her way back and has now secured another move to a top European club.

Her arrival also comes during a period of change at Benfica. Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe, greatest Nigerian to ever step foot in Portugal, recently left the Portuguese champions.

Akekoromowei: Nigeria's new goal merchant at Benfica

Standing at 1.86 metres, Akekoromowei is naturally a central striker, but she is comfortable dropping into the No. 10 role or drifting to either wing to create chances and stretch opposition defences.

She first caught attention through the Asisat Oshoala Academy before becoming a standout performer at Nasarawa Amazons. Her outstanding displays earned her the NWFL Most Valuable Player award after finishing the season with 13 league goals, the second-highest tally in the competition.

She also delivered when the pressure was highest during the NWFL Super Six playoffs, scoring four goals, including an equaliser against Bayelsa Queens and a decisive brace that helped Nasarawa Amazons beat Rivers Angels.

Even before breaking into senior club football, she had shown her eye for goal by winning the Golden Boot at the BOWFT pre-season tournament after scoring eight goals in just four matches for the Asisat Oshoala Academy.

Akekoromowei has also represented Nigeria at youth level with the Falconets before earning senior caps with the Super Falcons.

Akekoromowei's first challenge at Benfica is breaking into the starting line-up of head coach Ivan Baptista. The team already has a strong assembled the strongest attacking group in Portuguese women's football, filled with experienced international players competing for places in both domestic competitions and the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Spanish forward Cristina Martín-Prieto, Brazilian attacker Nycole Raysla, Canadian forward Chandra Davidson, and Denmark international Caroline Møller will likely be ahead of the Nigerian talent on the pecking order. Portugal internationals Diana Silva and teenage prospect Lara Martins are also available for coach Baptista.