AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s Falconets have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in the second leg of their final qualifying tie.
The Nigerian side advanced 3-2 on aggregate after securing a crucial first-leg advantage before the return fixture in Malawi.
Malawi’s star forward Faith Chimzimu stunned the Falconets early in the encounter, opening the scoring in the ninth minute to reduce the aggregate deficit and put pressure on the visitors.
Chimzimu struck again in the 56th minute, giving Malawi a 2-0 lead on the night and briefly putting the tie level on aggregate, as the home crowd sensed a historic comeback.
Nigeria, however, responded quickly through Oscar Precious, who scored in the 62nd minute to hand the Falconets a vital away goal and restore their aggregate lead. The goal ultimately proved decisive as the visitors held on through the closing stages to seal qualification for the tournament.
The result means the Falconets will represent Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland in September.
Despite the defeat, qualification continues Nigeria’s impressive record in the competition, with the Falconets remaining one of Africa’s most successful sides at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2014 and reached the quarter-finals in the last edition of the tournament.
