The Falconets have progressed to the last phase of the African qualifiers and will now square off against Malawi in a decisive tie for a place at this year’s global tournament.
The Nigerian side booked their spot after a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Senegal women’s national under-20 football team on Saturday, sealing a 3-1 aggregate success across both legs.
Momentum swung in the Falconets’ favour early in the contest when Kindness Ifeanyi rose highest to head home from a corner in the 19th minute. The striker had also delivered the winning goal in the first leg, giving her side a valuable edge heading into the return fixture.
The advantage was extended in the second half as Precious Oscar converted another dangerous set-piece delivery in the 69th minute. A late response from Sokhna N.T. Pene proved insufficient, with the Falconets holding firm to confirm their passage.
Malawi advanced after eliminating Guinea-Bissau women’s national under-20 football team, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.
The winner of the two-legged showdown will secure one of Africa’s four available tickets to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Poland later this year.
