Nigeria forward Janet Akekoromowei has joined Portuguese giants Benfica Feminino on a contract until 2028, with an option to extend the deal by a further two years, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 18-year-old joins the Portuguese club after an impressive 2024/25 campaign with Nasarawa Amazons, where she scored 13 goals in 19 appearances and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.
She moved to Bayelsa Queens in 2025, where she competed in the WAFU B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, and has also represented Nigeria at youth international level.
The forward had attracted interest from several European clubs, including Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart.
She was also reportedly close to joining Barcelona earlier this year before an ankle injury sustained while on duty with Nigeria’s Under-20 side against Senegal ended the possibility of a move.
Akekoromowei came through the Asisat Oshoala Academy and will now continue her career in Europe with Benfica.
The teenager said the presence of Nigeria international Christy Ucheibe, who plays for Benfica, helped her learn more about the club.
“I saw Christy Ucheibe play for Benfica and win titles, and I want to achieve the same. She told me many good things about the club and advised me to remain humble, pursue my dreams and be a good person,” Akekoromowei said after completing her move.
“I know Benfica is a big club and I want to be part of this family. I am ready to give my best, support my teammates and help us achieve our objectives for the season.”
Akekoromowei will now begin the next stage of her career in Portugal as she looks to establish herself at one of the country’s leading clubs.
