By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, moved a step closer to securing a place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a convincing 2-0 victory over Malawi in the first leg of their qualifying tie on Saturday.
Playing at the Remo Stars Stadium, the Falconets delivered a composed performance to secure a crucial home advantage.
The breakthrough came via an own goal from the visitors before Kindness Ifeanyi calmly doubled Nigeria’s lead later in the encounter.
The result puts Nigeria firmly in control of the tie as they head into the return leg with a comfortable two-goal cushion.
A dominant force in women’s youth football, the Falconets have featured in every edition of the tournament since its inception and are now within touching distance of another appearance.
Nigeria booked their place in this stage after overcoming Senegal 3-1 on aggregate, while Malawi advanced with an emphatic 6-2 aggregate win over Guinea-Bissau.
Attention now shifts to the decisive second leg scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Bingu National Stadium.
The aggregate winner will clinch qualification for the 2026 tournament, set to be hosted in Poland this September.
