2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets will face Malawi in May

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, will face Malawi in May in a high-stakes playoff for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The two-legged final qualifying round will see Nigeria host the first leg between May 1 and 3, 2026, at a venue yet to be confirmed.

The decisive return leg will be played in Blantyre, Malawi, between May 8 and 10.

Coached by Moses Aduku, the Falconets booked their place in the final stage with a composed 3-1 aggregate victory over Senegal’s Lionesses.

Nigeria edged the first leg 1-0 in Abeokuta before securing a 2-1 win away from home to confirm progression.

Malawi, meanwhile, advanced emphatically, defeating Guinea-Bissau 6-2 on aggregate in the third round to set up the showdown with the West Africans.

The winner over the two legs will secure one of Africa’s qualification slots for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, scheduled to take place in Poland from September 5 to September 27, 2026.