By ADERONKE OJO

Nigeria’s Under 20 women’s national team, the Falconets on Saturday secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup schedule for Poland.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Falconets achieved the feat in spite of suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi U-20 in the second leg of their final qualifying fixture at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

They progressed 3-2 on aggregate over Malawi’s Young Scorchers.

The Nigerian side advanced on aggregate after securing a crucial first-leg advantage, enough to withstand a spirited performance from the hosts.

Malawi’s Faith Chimzimu nodded home the opener in the ninth minute to give her side an early lead and raise hopes of a comeback for the home team.

Nigeria came close to responding with precision when Kindness Ifeanyi, a constant threat on the right flank, delivered a tantalising cross into the penalty area.

Favour Nkwocha connected powerfully with the delivery, but her effort rattled the woodwork, denying the Falconets a vital equaliser as the Young Scorchers took their 1-0 advantage into the break.

On resumption of the second half, Chimzimu struck again in the 56th minute to level the aggregate score temporarily and put the Falconets under pressure.

However, Nigeria responded swiftly through substitute Precious Oscar, whose 62nd-minute goal proved decisive in the encounter.

The goal restored Nigeria’s aggregate advantage and ultimately secured the Falconets passage to the global tournament.

In spite of the defeat, the Falconets showed resilience and composure to navigate a difficult away fixture and book their place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland.

The qualification further extends Nigeria’s impressive record in women’s youth football, with the Falconets remaining one of Africa’s most successful teams at FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup level.

NAN reports that the Falconets hosted the first leg in Nigeria on May 2, securing a 2-0 victory in Ikenne, Ogun. The Falconets reached the final qualifying round after defeating Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate and Senegal 3-1 on aggregate.

NAN reports that the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to hold in Poland from Sept. 5 to Sept. 26. (NAN)

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