Nigeria’s Falconets have booked a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in the second leg of their final qualifying tie.
The Nigerian side progressed 3-2 on aggregate after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory in the first leg played in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Malawi’s Scorchers fought back strongly in Saturday’s return fixture, with Faith Chimzimu scoring twice in the 9th and 56th minutes to level the aggregate scoreline.
However, the Falconets responded in the 62nd minute through Precious, whose crucial strike restored Nigeria’s aggregate advantage and ultimately sealed qualification for the tournament.
The result extends Nigeria’s impressive record in the competition, as the Falconets will now make their 12th appearance at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 2002 in Canada.
Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most successful teams at the youth championship, having reached the final on two occasions and consistently advancing beyond the group stage in previous editions.
