There was widespread concern across Nigeria’s women’s football community when free-scoring striker Janet Akekoromowei was stretched off during the Falconets’ 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal in Abeokuta last weekend.
Initial fears suggested the young forward may have suffered a broken ankle, an injury that could have ruled her out for several months and cast a long shadow over both Nigeria’s qualification hopes and her short-term career prospects. However, fresh medical reports have now brought a sense of relief.
Further examinations, including an MRI scan, confirmed that Akekoromowei dislocated her ankle, rather than suffering a fracture as earlier speculated. While still serious, the diagnosis is far less devastating than initially feared.
The striker is expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks, significantly reducing recovery time compared to a broken ankle, which could have kept her out for much longer.
This clarification has eased tension around the Falconets’ camp, especially given Akekoromowei’s importance to the team’s attacking play and her reputation as one of the most clinical finishers in the squad.
Despite the positive update, Akekoromowei will still miss today’s crucial second-leg qualifier against Senegal in Thies. The Falconets head into the encounter with a 1–0 advantage from the first leg and will be looking to finish the job without their injured striker.
Kick-off is set for 6pm Nigeria time, with both teams battling for a place in the final qualifying round of the African series.
Her absence presents a stern test of Nigeria’s squad depth, but the Falconets remain confident of progression. Coaches and teammates have rallied around the injured forward, drawing motivation from her situation while focusing on the task ahead.
The tie against Senegal is decisive, as the winner over two legs will move one step closer to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026, scheduled to take place later this year.
While Akekoromowei’s recovery timeline rules her out of immediate action, the confirmation that the injury is a dislocation rather than a break keeps hopes alive for her return later in the year. With proper rehabilitation, she could still play a key role in future qualifiers or tournament preparations.
For now, attention shifts to Thies, where the Falconets will attempt to secure qualification carrying with them the added motivation of doing it for a teammate whose setback turned out to be less severe than first feared.
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