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By Adekunle Saheed
In Nigerian women’s football, a new star is beginning to shine brightly, and her name is Janet Akekoromowei. The young forward, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s Falconets’ emphatic 4–0 victory over Rwanda in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, is already drawing comparisons with two of the country’s most celebrated football icons Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nwokocha.
Akekoromowei’s performance was nothing short of outstanding. She scored the third goal of the encounter with a finish that showcased her power, composure, and clinical instincts in front of goal. Earlier in the game, she also turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted assist for the opening strike that set the tone for Nigeria’s dominance. It was the kind of all-round display that marks the arrival of a complete striker.
Observers describe her as a forward who possesses the power of Mercy Akide, the legendary attacker whose strength and goals lit up the early years of the Super Falcons, and the opportunism of Perpetua Nwokocha, known for her uncanny ability to sniff out and bury chances with ruthless efficiency. With her height, strength, and blistering pace, Akekoromowei combines physical attributes with sharp football intelligence, making her a nightmare for defenders.
Beyond her goal and assist against Rwanda, her movement off the ball, ability to hold up play, and willingness to work for the team reflect maturity beyond her years. Each touch carried intent, each run carried danger, and each duel showed her fighting spirit. It is this rare combination of skill and hunger that has made many believe she is destined for greater heights.
The Falconets’ coaching crew has hailed her as one of the standout performers of the match, and fans who watched her on the pitch could sense that they were witnessing the rise of a future star. Her dominance in aerial duels, her bursts of speed, and her deadly instincts in the box are qualities that fit perfectly into the DNA of the Super Falcons a team constantly in search of prolific forwards to maintain its global reputation.
Nigeria has a history of producing legendary strikers who carried the nation on the biggest stages. From Mercy Akide’s heroics at the Women’s World Cup to Perpetua Nwokocha’s exploits across Africa, the torch has always been passed from one generation to the next. In Janet Akekoromowei, there is a strong indication that the next great striker may already be here.
As the Falconets continue their journey toward the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, all eyes will be on Akekoromowei to see how she builds on this performance. If her display against Rwanda is anything to go by, then Nigerian football fans may soon be celebrating her goals in the green and white of the Super Falcons.
For now, she remains a Falconet, but in Janet Akekoromowei, the future of Nigerian women’s football looks not only promising but also deadly in attack.
