Nigerian women’s football has recorded another milestone as Hallelujah FC Ladies Academy graduate Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei has completed a move to Portuguese giants Benfica Women, signing a contract that runs until 2028, with an option to extend for two additional years.
The highly rated 18-year-old forward joins the Portuguese champions ahead of the 2026/27 season, becoming the latest Nigerian talent to secure a move to one of Europe’s leading women’s football clubs.
Born on November 6, 2007, Seimeyeha began her football journey at the Ikeja-based Hallelujah FC Ladies Academy, where she developed into one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects before earning opportunities with the country’s youth national teams.
She represented Nigeria at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia and made her senior international debut later that year in a friendly against Algeria, further underlining her rapid rise in the game.
Seimeyeha’s impressive performances in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) propelled her into the spotlight. During the 2024/25 campaign with Nasarawa Amazons, she scored 13 goals in 19 league matches, finishing among the league’s top scorers and earning the prestigious NWFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Her outstanding form earned her a move to Bayelsa Queens in 2025, where she continued to establish herself as one of the country’s most exciting attacking talents before attracting interest from Benfica.
Speaking to BTV after completing her transfer, the Nigerian striker expressed excitement about beginning a new chapter with the Portuguese club.
“I’m happy! Benfica is a great club. It’s a privilege to be here, and I want to help the team win trophies and achieve great things,” she said.
The young forward pledged to give her all for the six-time Portuguese champions and expressed her eagerness to become an important member of the Benfica family.
“Benfica is a great club—I know that. I want to be part of this family. I’m ready to give my best, help my teammates and achieve our goals for the season.”
Seimeyeha also acknowledged the influence of Nigerian international Christy Ucheibe, whose successful spell at Benfica inspired her decision to join the Lisbon-based side.
“Christy Ucheibe plays for the national team. I watched her play for Benfica and win titles, and I want to achieve the same. She told me many good things about the club.”
According to the teenager, Ucheibe advised her to remain humble, work hard and pursue her dreams with discipline and good character.
“Christy told me to stay humble, chase my dreams and always be a good person.”
The new Benfica signing also had a special message for the club’s supporters.
“Dear fans, I’m here. Go Benfica!”