Falconets seal 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup ticket

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Nigeria’s Under 20 women’s national team, the Falconets on Saturday secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup schedule for Poland.

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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Falconets achieved the feat in spite of suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi U-20 in the second leg of their final qualifying fixture at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

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They progressed 3-2 on aggregate over Malawi’s Young Scorchers.

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The Nigerian side advanced on aggregate after securing a crucial first-leg advantage, enough to withstand a spirited performance from the hosts.

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Malawi’s Faith Chimzimu nodded home the opener in the ninth minute to give her side an early lead and raise hopes of a comeback for the home team.

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Nigeria came close to responding with precision when Kindness Ifeanyi, a constant threat on the right flank, delivered a tantalising cross into the penalty area.

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Favour Nkwocha connected powerfully with the delivery, but her effort rattled the woodwork, denying the Falconets a vital equaliser as the Young Scorchers took their 1-0 advantage into the break.

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On resumption of the second half,Chimzimu struck again in the 56th minute to level the aggregate score temporarily and put the Falconets under pressure.

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However, Nigeria responded swiftly through substitute Precious Oscar, whose 62nd-minute goal proved decisive in the encounter.

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The goal restored Nigeria’s aggregate advantage and ultimately secured the Falconets passage to the global tournament.

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In spite of the defeat, the Falconets showed resilience and composure to navigate a difficult away fixture and book their place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland.

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The qualification further extends Nigeria’s impressive record in women’s youth football, with the Falconets remaining one of Africa’s most successful teams at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup level.

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NAN reports that the Falconets hosted the first leg in Nigeria on May 2, securing a 2-0 victory in Ikenne, Ogun. The Falconets reached the final qualifying round after defeating Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate and Senegal 3-1 on aggregate.

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NAN reports that the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to hold in Poland from September 5 to September 26.

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(NAN)

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