Nigeria’s U-20 women’s side, the Falconets, made a strong statement in their bid for World Cup qualification with a 2-0 win over Malawi in the first leg of their qualifying clash at the Remo Stars Stadium.
The breakthrough came courtesy of a Malawi own goal, which handed Nigeria the early advantage before Kindness Ifeanyi extended the lead with a well-taken finish later in the encounter. The result gives the Falconets a solid edge heading into the return fixture.
Nigeria, one of the most consistent teams in the history of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, now carry a two-goal advantage into the decisive second leg.
The Falconets reached this stage after overcoming Senegal 3-1 on aggregate, while Malawi booked their spot with an emphatic 6-2 aggregate triumph over Guinea-Bissau.
Attention now shifts to the return leg scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Bingu National Stadium. The aggregate winner of the tie will secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted in Poland later in September.
