Nigeria books spot in 2026 Poland FIFA U20 Women's World Cup

Nigeria's U20 women's team, the Falconets, have booked their spot in the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland, overcoming Malawi's Young Scorchers 3-2 on aggregate.

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The team's qualification was sealed despite a 1-2 loss in the second leg in Lilongwe on Saturday, as their 2-0 first-leg win in Ikenne the previous week proved decisive.

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The hosts drew first blood in the match, scoring early in the first half with a header that capitalised on a Nigerian defensive mistake.

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Favour Nkwocha came close to levelling the score for the Falconets when her powerful header hit the woodwork, following a cross from Kindness Ifeanyi.

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At the break, Malawi led 1-0, and they increased the pressure in the 55th minute, scoring again to level the aggregate score at 2-2.

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However, a substitution by Coach Moses Aduku proved to be a turning point, as Precious Oscar, who came off the bench, scored the equaliser in the 62nd minute.

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Oscar's goal was a result of her aggressive press, which saw her dispossess a Malawian defender before calmly slotting the ball home, restoring Nigeria's aggregate lead.

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The Falconets then defended resolutely to protect their slim lead and secure qualification, maintaining Nigeria's unbeaten record of never missing a FIFA U20 Women's World Cup finals.

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The 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup is scheduled to take place in Poland from 5th to 26th September 2026.

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The Nigerian team expressed their gratitude to Ambassador Ibrahim Miringa, Nigeria's High Commissioner to Malawi, and his team for their support during the team's stay in the country.

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Ambassador Miringa and NFF Leader of Delegation, Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen, were also present with the World Cup-bound Falconets after the final whistle in Lilongwe on Saturday.