Falconets receive major boost as Benfica star Janet Akekoromowei joins squad in Poland

Nigeria's Falconets have received a timely boost ahead of their crucial FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup clash against China after Benfica forward Janet Akekoromowei finally linked up with the squad in Poland.

The former Nasarawa Amazons star missed Nigeria's opening 2-0 defeat to Spain after remaining in Portugal to complete documentation related to her stay in the country.

The official Super Falcons X account confirmed that the talented forward has now joined the team in Poland and is available ahead of Thursday's decisive showdown against China.

Nigeria desperately needs a positive result after the opening loss to Spain left their qualification hopes under pressure.

Akekoromowei was born in Ese-Odo, Ondo State, and raised in Lagos, she has enjoyed a remarkable rise through Nigerian women's football.

Akekoromowei made her name with Nasarawa Amazons, finishing as the second-highest scorer in the 2024/25 NWFL season after netting 13 goals in 19 matches.

Her outstanding performances earned her the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and attracted interest from top clubs.

She later joined Bayelsa Queens in July 2025, where she continued to impress despite battling an ankle injury sustained on international duty.

The teenager still managed to deliver important goals during the 2025 WAFU B Women's Champions League qualifiers, producing several Player of the Match performances before securing her move to SL Benfica Ladies.