Nigeria invite new Benfica signing for World Cup in Poland

Teen talent Janet Semenya Akekoromowei has received an invitation to join Nigeria’s Falconets for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, Soccernet.ng reports.

Akekoromowei's call-up for the international tournament arrives just days after completing her move to Portuguese champions Benfica. The former Bayelsa Queens forward signed a contract until 2028 after leaving Nigerian football. The deal also includes an option for the club to extend her stay by two more years.

According to ScoreNigeria, the official World Cup participation request has been sent to Benfica for the 18-year-old striker. Akekoromowei’s call-up is another major step in a remarkable comeback after an ankle injury threatened to stop her move to Europe earlier this year. She joins West Brom midfielder Chidubem Arinze, who has also been called up for the World Cup.

Resilient Akekoromowei heading to World Cup with Nigeria

Before joining Benfica on July 22, Akekoromowei had built a strong reputation with Nasarawa Amazons and Bayelsa Queens. She was named the NWFL Most Valuable Player and finished the league season as the second-highest scorer with 13 goals.

Her rise was interrupted in February when she suffered a serious ankle injury while playing for Nigeria’s U20 team against Senegal in a World Cup qualifier. The injury ended her planned move to Barcelona after her agent had travelled to Spain to complete a three-year contract.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen later helped support her medical treatment and rehabilitation. Akekoromowei subsequently dedicated her Benfica contract to him.

Benfica stepped in during her recovery and completed her signing after overseeing the final stages of her return to fitness. She now has a chance to return to the Falconets setup at the World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup runs from September 5 to September 27 in Poland. Nigeria are in Group F with Spain, China and New Caledonia.

Akekoromowei already has experience at U17 and U20 level and has also been involved with the senior Super Falcons. Her physical strength and scoring record could give Nigeria another attacking option against Spain, arguably the strongest team in the group.

Nigeria have reached the U20 Women’s World Cup final twice, finishing runners-up to Germany in 2010 and 2014. They also reached the semi-finals in 2012. The Falconets have qualified for every edition since the tournament began in 2002, and Akekoromowei’s inclusion gives them another experienced young attacker as they chase a first world title.