Official! Benfica beat Barcelona to player set to shine at the Luz | OneFootball

It is official: Janet Akekoromowei has signed for Benfica. The 18-year-old Nigerian forward has signed a deal with the Eagles until 2028, with an option for two more seasons, arriving at the Luz after being named the most valuable player (MVP) of the penultimate edition of the Nigerian League.

Considered one of the biggest prospects in women’s football in her country, Janet Akekoromowei attracted the interest of several European clubs thanks to her standout performances in Nigeria. Among the clubs keeping a close eye on the young forward was Barcelona, which, according to the international press, came very close to securing her signing.

However, the move to the Catalan side ultimately fell through after the Nigerian international suffered a serious injury while on national team duty in February, at a time when she was preparing to make the leap to European football.

Akekoromowei now sees her move to Europe become a reality, with Benfica securing the services of one of the most promising young players in African football. The striker arrives to strengthen Benfica’s attacking department and could be an option for both the first team and the B team. At 18, the former Bayelsa Queens player is preparing for her first experience outside her home country.

At the Nigerian club, she shared a dressing room with Shakirat Moshood, a new Torreense signing for the upcoming season, with whom she also crossed paths in the national team’s youth ranks. Now, Janet Akekoromowei begins a new chapter in her career and will have the opportunity to confirm while wearing the Eagle on her chest the potential she is credited with. Chandra Davidson also recently renewed until 2028.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.