Super Falcons forward, Joy Omewa marked her Women’s Super League 2 debut with a goal, but it was not enough to prevent Nottingham Forest Women from suffering a heavy 5–1 home defeat to Birmingham City Women.
Fresh off her move from Danish giants Fortuna Hjørring earlier this week, Omewa was handed her first Forest appearance just days after signing and she wasted no time announcing herself, by scoring on her first appearance in English football.
Joy Omewa Makes Lightning Impact; Strikes on Debut
Birmingham City had gone ahead in the 22nd minute through an unfortunate own goal by Georgia Brougham, putting Forest on the back foot early.
However, Omewa delivered a moment of quality just before the break. In the 45th minute, she latched onto Chloe Mustaki’s long ball, which was deflected into her path, skipped past her marker, and calmly fired home to restore parity.
Forest, however, found a lifeline just before the break through Omewa. In the 45th minute, the 23-year-old latched onto Chloe Mustaki’s long ball, which was deflected into her path.
Omewa beat her marker and calmly finished to bring Forest level at 1–1 heading into half-time, endearing herself to the home crowd.
Birmingham Regain Control After the Break
Any hopes of a Forest comeback were quickly dashed after the restart, as Wilma Leidhammar struck in the 47th minute to restore Birmingham City’s lead.
Forest struggled to cope with sustained pressure, although Omewa came close to scoring her second in the 54th minute, only to see her left-footed effort blocked.
The Nigerian forward was eventually withdrawn in the 63rd minute, making way for Charlie Wellings, as Forest searched for fresh impetus.
Lindström Hat-Trick Seals Rout
Birmingham City then ran riot late on, with Lisa Lindström scoring a devastating quick-fire hat-trick in the 72nd, 75th and 78th minutes, putting the result beyond doubt and sealing a commanding 5–1 victory.
Bright Signs for Forest Despite Loss
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Omewa’s debut provided a major positive for Nottingham Forest despite the huge defeat.
Remarkably, The 23-year-old has now scored in 15 of her last 16 league matches.
Her movement, composure and attacking instincts offered Forest supporters an early glimpse of her quality and why she was recruited to bolster the club’s push in WSL 2.
Her performance provided fans with an early glimpse of what she could deliver over the course of the season in England.
Forest will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Charlton on 8 February.
Joy Omewa Joins Forest After Prolific Spell in Denmark
Earlier this week, Joy Omewa officially completed her transfer to Nottingham Forest Women from Danish side Fortuna Hjørring, signing a contract that will keep her at the City Ground until the end of the 2025/26 season.
She arrives in England following an outstanding spell in Denmark, where she scored 52 goals in 85 league appearances for Fortuna Hjørring, in the Kvindeligaen.
During her time in the Kvindeligaen, Omewa played a key role in the club’s success, helping them win the Danish Women’s Cup twice and secure the league title in the 2024/25 season.
On the international stage, she has represented Nigeria at Under-17 and Under-20 level, before earning her first senior Super Falcons cap last year.
Coach and Player React to the Move
Forest Coach Delighted With New Signing
Nottingham Forest Women head coach Carly Davies spoke glowingly about the club’s newest recruit, praised the Nigerian forward’s goal-scoring pedigree after sealing the deal.
“Joy’s incredible goal-scoring prowess speaks for itself.”
“She’s a dynamic forward with a natural instinct in front of goal, and her ability to find the net consistently at both club and international level makes her a fantastic addition to our squad.”
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“I Can Add a Lot” – Joy Omewa
Speaking on her move to England, Omewa expressed her excitement at joining Forest.
“I am delighted to sign for Nottingham Forest. It’s an ambitious club and I’m excited to be a part of this team.”
“I can’t wait to get started for this club and I think I can add a lot to an already talented group at Forest.”
If her debut goal is anything to go by, Nottingham Forest may have found a forward capable of lighting up WSL 2, even if the first result proved a harsh introduction.
Nottingham Forest will be hoping the Nigerian striker’s scoring touch can help drive their campaign forward, starting with the next challenge against Charlton.
