Benfica have given Nigeria forward Janet “Semenya” Akekoromowei permission to join the Falconets for next month’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Quick facts
- Janet “Semenya” Akekoromowei has been released by Benfica for the tournament.
- Nigeria will play Poland and Korea Republic in pre-World Cup friendlies.
- The Falconets are scheduled to leave Abuja for Poland on August 24.
- Nigeria’s opening Group F fixture is against Spain on September 7.
Nigeria are set to meet Poland and Korea Republic in warm-up games while continuing their build-up to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup next month.
Moses Aduku’s squad have been training in Abuja and are due to head to Poland on August 24.
The tournament starts on September 5. Nigeria are in Group F with Spain, China and New Caledonia.
The Falconets begin their campaign against Spain on September 7.
Matches with the host nation and Korea Republic will give Nigeria valuable preparation before the competition begins.
The team have also been boosted by Benfica’s decision to make Akekoromowei available for the World Cup.
The Portuguese club had initially been expected to keep the striker because an ankle problem had sidelined her for several months.
Akekoromowei has now received clearance from Benfica to take part in the tournament.
She is expected to travel to Poland directly from Portugal, where she is based.
Aduku had been seeking the release of the powerful centre-forward as Nigeria prepare for the challenging first-round meeting with Spain on September 7.
Nigeria’s other Group F opponents are China and New Caledonia.
Akekoromowei, who has already represented the Super Falcons, moved to Benfica after the Portuguese champions won a race with Barcelona to sign her. She agreed a two-year deal.
