Nigeria’s Falconets have qualified for 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 on Saturday.
The result at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe was not enough to overturn Nigeria’s first-leg advantage, as the Falconets had won 2-0 in Ikenne to progress 3-2 on aggregate.
Malawi made a strong start to the return leg, taking the lead in the ninth minute through Faith Chimzimu. The forward struck again in the second half to put the hosts 2-0 ahead and level the tie on aggregate, raising hopes of a comeback.
However, Nigeria responded in the 62nd minute when Oscar Precious scored to reduce the deficit and restore the Falconets’ aggregate lead at 3-2.
Despite sustained pressure from Malawi in the closing stages, the Nigerian side held firm to secure qualification for the tournament.
The victory ensures the Falconets continue their remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, booking their place at the 2026 tournament in Poland.
