Nigeria carry 2–0 first-leg advantage into Lilongwe clash as Aduku’s side eye record-extending qualification

Nigeria’s Falconets have travelled to Lilongwe with a two-goal advantage over Malawi as they bid to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The two-time finalists are looking to extend their record of appearing at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2002.

The Falconets won the first leg 2–0 in Ikenne-Remo last Saturday, with goals from Maureen Kenneth and Kindness Ifeanyi.

The result gives Nigeria a comfortable edge heading into the return fixture at the Bingu National Stadium. Kick-off is set for 3pm Malawi time (2pm Nigeria time).

Head coach Moses Aduku said his squad has arrived in Malawi and is fully prepared for the encounter.

“We are here to play and to win. The players understand the importance of this match, and we are fully prepared mentally, tactically, and physically for the challenge ahead,” Aduku said.

Malawi coach Maggie Chombo, however, has acknowledged the scale of the task and insists her side can overturn the deficit in front of their home supporters.

“We have learnt, and we will go back and work on those areas. They have managed to score on their pitch, but we are going to do so as well in front of our supporters. Everything is possible,” she said.

On the continent, Nigeria’s consistency at this level remains unmatched. The Falconets have featured at every edition since Canada 2002, reaching the final twice and the semi-finals once.

Aduku’s side reached this final qualifying round after overcoming Rwanda and Senegal, defeating Rwanda 5–0 on aggregate and Senegal 3–1 on aggregate.