A first leg advantage was secured by Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, the Falconets, following a composed 2-0 victory over Malawi women’s national under 20 football team in their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
After a quiet first half, the breakthrough was made just one minute into the restart. A scrappy effort from a cross was deflected off Maureen Kenneth and into the net, with the own goal handing Nigeria a deserved lead.
Momentum was then maintained, and the advantage was doubled in the 57th minute. Kindness Ifeanyi showed composure in front of goal, as the Malawi goalkeeper was rounded before the ball was calmly slotted home from close range, despite pressure from defenders on the line.
Control of the contest was largely maintained by the hosts, and another disciplined defensive display ensured a clean sheet was recorded. It marked a third consecutive home shutout in the qualifying campaign under coach Moses Aduku.
Confidence will also be drawn from the team’s strong away form, with previous victories already recorded in Senegal and Rwanda during the qualification series.
Attention will now shift to the return leg, which is scheduled to be played on May 9 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. The aggregate winner over the two legs will secure qualification as one of Africa’s four representatives at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup later this year.
