Super Falcons forward Joy Omewa made an instant impression on her Women’s Super League 2 debut, scoring in Nottingham Forest Women’s 5–1 defeat to Birmingham City Women.

Omewa, who completed her move from Danish side Fortuna Hjørring earlier this week, was handed her first start and announced herself in style. In the 45th minute, she capitalised on Chloe Mustaki’s long ball, which took a deflection into her path. The Nigerian attacker showed great composure to beat her marker and slot home, restoring parity just before the interval.

Forest had fallen behind in the 22nd minute after an unfortunate own goal by Georgia Brougham, but Omewa’s well-taken strike ensured the visitors went into the break level at 1–1.

Birmingham City, however, seized control immediately after the restart. Wilma Leidhammar fired the hosts back in front in the 47th minute, and Forest struggled to cope with the sustained pressure that followed. Omewa nearly found a second in the 54th minute, only for her left-footed effort to be blocked, before she was replaced by Charlie Wellings in the 63rd minute.

The game was effectively decided late on as Birmingham City ran riot. Lisa Lindström struck a devastating hat-trick in the 72nd, 75th, and 78th minutes to seal a comprehensive 5–1 victory.

Despite the heavy defeat, Omewa’s debut was a bright spot for Forest. Having scored in 15 of her last 16 league matches, her intelligent movement, calm finishing, and attacking instincts underlined the quality she adds to the squad and offered Forest supporters plenty of encouragement.

Nottingham Forest will aim to bounce back when they face Charlton on 8 February, with Omewa hoping to build on a promising first outing and continue making her mark in WSL 2.