Benfica forward Janet Akekoromowei has rejoined Nigeria’s Falconets in Poland. This is ahead of their important second Group F game against China at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday.
The news of her return was shared on the official X page of Nigeria’s women’s national team. The post stated, “Benfica Ladies forward Janet Akekoromowei has now teamed up with the Nigeria U20 girls, Falconets, at the FIFA U20 WWC in Poland.”
Akekoromowei’s return is a big boost for the Falconets. They need to avoid another loss against China after their first game ended in a 2-0 defeat to 2022 champions Spain.
The forward was uncertain for the tournament. She had initially traveled to Poland with the squad but had to return to Portugal. Reports said her club in Portugal had refused to let her play in the tournament.
Now that she is available, coach Moses Aduku has another attacking option. Nigeria hopes to turn things around against a China team that started the tournament with a 5-0 win over New Caledonia.
The Falconets will play at Stadion Sosnowiec in their second Group F match. They know that losing again could hurt their chances of making it to the knockout stage.
China is currently at the top of the group based on goal difference, with Spain right behind them. New Caledonia is at the bottom of the group.
Nigeria and China have played each other twice before at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. In 2006, China beat the Falconets 3-0 in Russia at the Podmoskovie Stadium.
In 2018, they met again in France. Nigeria managed to get a 1-1 draw against China in Dinan-Léhon, thanks to a late own goal by a Chinese defender. This draw helped the Falconets move on to the quarter-finals.
After the match with China on Thursday, Nigeria will finish their group games against New Caledonia on Sunday.
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