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Falconets Secure Poland 2026 Ticket After Narrow Escape Against Malawi

Posted : 10 May 2026

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after surviving a difficult final qualifying round against Malawi’s Young Scorchers.

Despite losing 2-1 in the second leg in Lilongwe on Saturday, the Nigerian side advanced 3-2 on aggregate thanks to their 2-0 first-leg victory in Ikenne, securing another appearance on the global stage.

The result confirms Nigeria’s participation in yet another edition of the tournament, which will be held in Poland from September 5 to 26, 2026. The team is expected to begin early preparations as they aim to improve on past performances and compete strongly against the world’s best youth sides.

The Falconets went into the return leg with a healthy advantage after goals from Kindness Ifeanyi and an own goal in the first encounter. However, the second leg proved far more challenging as the Malawian side, backed by a lively home crowd, started aggressively from kickoff.

Malawi took an early lead following a defensive error in the Nigerian backline, setting the tone for a tense encounter. Nigeria came close to responding when Ifeanyi delivered a dangerous cross, but Favour Nkwocha’s effort struck the crossbar.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the second half after another lapse in concentration, briefly levelling the tie on aggregate and raising hopes of an upset.

Facing elimination pressure, Falconets coach Moses Aduku introduced fresh legs, and substitute Precious Oscar proved decisive. She capitalised on a defensive mistake, won possession in a dangerous area, and calmly scored the crucial away goal that restored Nigeria’s aggregate lead.

The Falconets held firm in the closing stages to seal qualification, extending Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Attention now turns to preparations for Poland 2026, where the team will aim to make a stronger impact and compete for global honours.

The team also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Ibrahim Miringa, and embassy staff for their support and hospitality during their stay in Lilongwe.

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