Semenya becomes first Falconets player in Poland for U20 World Cup

Janet ‘Semenya’ Akekoromowei has become the first Falconets player to arrive in Poland ahead of the U20 Women’s World Cup. The Benfica Ladies striker reached the country today after travelling from Portugal, where she is based with her club.

Semenya made the journey directly from Portugal and was accompanied by her legal adviser. Her arrival puts one member of coach Moses Aduku’s squad in Poland before the rest of the Nigeria team joins her.

The remaining Falconets players are expected to arrive later today, with Aduku leading the squad. Semenya’s early arrival comes after a disagreement over her release for the tournament involving Portuguese champions Benfica.

Benfica had initially prevented the forward from taking part in the World Cup. The club later changed its position, clearing the way for Semenya to join the Falconets and travel to Poland for the competition.

Nigeria will begin its World Cup campaign on September 7. The Falconets will then face New Caledonia and China in their other first-round group matches, with Semenya now in place ahead of the opening fixture.

The move makes Semenya the first player from the squad to reach Poland, while the rest of the team completes its travel arrangements. Her inclusion follows Benfica’s reversal and gives Aduku another attacking option before Nigeria’s group programme begins.