THE Falconets of Nigeria sealed their spot at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after advancing past Malawi 3-2 on aggregate in their final qualifying round tie.
Having won the first leg 2-0 last Saturday, the Falconets qualified despite a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture in Lilongwe today.
Malawi, backed by a vocal home crowd, struck early in the first half when a defensive mix-up let the Falconets down.
The Falconets responded and nearly drew level before the break as Kindness Ifeanyi, a constant threat on the right flank, delivered a cross into the Malawi box.
Favour Nkwocha met it with power, but her effort crashed off the woodwork, denying the Falconets the equaliser as Malawi went into the break 1-0 ahead.
Malawi scored again to level the tie 2-2 on aggregate 10 minutes into the second half, threatening to end the Falconets’ perfect qualifying record for the tournament.
The Falconets reduced the deficit on the day and regained their aggregate lead with
Precious Oscar’s goal in the 62nd minute.
The substitute pounced on a Malawian defender who was caught dwelling on the ball. Oscar dispossessed her opponent and kept her composure to fire past the goalkeeper.
This year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to September 26.
