Falconets forward Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei has taken the individual honours after her outstanding display in Nigeria’s 3-0 demolition of England, earning the Visa Player of the Match award as the African side marched into the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.
The Benfica youngster delivered when Nigeria needed her most, scoring the crucial second goal shortly after half-time before playing a major role in the move that produced the third.
With Nigeria leading 1-0 through Tosin Rafiu, Akekoromowei struck in the 47th minute, meeting a loose ball following a corner and firing a superb left-footed effort beyond England goalkeeper Katie Cox.
She was not finished.
In the 73rd minute, Akekoromowei pressed England’s defence, won possession and supplied the ball for substitute Mary Mamudu to finish the move that effectively ended the contest.
Her influential performance earned her the Visa Player of the Match award, an honour also confirmed by her Portuguese club Benfica following the victory.
The goal was Akekoromowei’s second of the tournament, having also scored during Nigeria’s remarkable 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in the group stage.
Her latest strike, however, came on a much bigger knockout-stage occasion and helped propel Nigeria into the final eight.
The Falconets will now travel to Łódź for Sunday’s quarter-final, where they will meet the winner of the Poland-Colombia Round of 16 encounter.
For Akekoromowei, the individual award provides recognition for a performance that combined a goal, relentless pressing and a decisive contribution to another.
But with Nigeria now three victories away from the world title, the bigger prize remains ahead.
