Rising Nigerian forward Janet Akekoromowei has completed a move to Portuguese champions SL Benfica Feminino, signing a contract that runs until 2028, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further two years.
The 18-year-old joins Benfica as a free agent, with the Portuguese giants officially unveiling her on Wednesday as preparations for the new season got underway.
Akekoromowei arrives at one of Europe’s most successful women’s clubs in recent years, with Benfica dominating the Campeonato Nacional Feminino and regularly competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The move is another major milestone in the youngster’s rapidly rising career.
She first announced herself on the Nigerian football scene during the 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, where she enjoyed a sensational debut season with Nasarawa Amazons. The talented forward was named the league’s Most Valuable Player after scoring 13 goals in 19 appearances, finishing as the division’s second-highest scorer.
Her outstanding performances earned her a transfer to Bayelsa Queens, where she continued her development as one of Nigeria’s brightest young attacking talents. Nicknamed “S9” by supporters, Akekoromowei has built a reputation for her clinical finishing, pace, and versatility across the front line.
Her progress has also been reflected on the international stage.
The teenager represented the Falconets at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia and featured prominently during Nigeria’s U-20 World Cup qualifying campaign. Her impressive displays eventually earned her a call-up to the Super Falcons, further underlining her immense potential.
Earlier this year, Akekoromowei attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Spanish giants Barcelona Femení, before ultimately deciding that Benfica offered the ideal environment for her long-term development.
Benfica view the Nigerian as an investment for both the present and the future, with the club’s sporting department highlighting her potential as one of the continent’s most exciting young forwards.
The move also continues the growing trend of Nigerian women’s footballers making significant moves to Europe’s elite leagues, following in the footsteps of stars such as Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne.
For Akekoromowei, the transfer presents an opportunity to compete for domestic honours, gain UEFA Women’s Champions League experience, and continue her development in one of Europe’s strongest women’s football environments.
As Benfica prepare for another title challenge, Nigerian football fans will be eagerly following the progress of one of the country’s brightest young stars, hoping she can establish herself as a key player for both club and country in the years ahead.
