Nigeria’s Under-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to hold in Poland.

The Falconets secured qualification despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi’s U-20 side in the second leg of their final qualifying fixture at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.

Nigeria progressed 3-2 on aggregate after taking a crucial first-leg advantage into the encounter.

Malawi’s Faith Chimzimu opened scoring in the ninth minute to boost the hopes of the hosts.

Nigeria nearly responded through Favour Nkwocha, whose effort struck the woodwork after connecting with a cross from Kindness Ifeanyi.

The Young Scorchers went into the break with a 1-0 lead before Chimzimu scored again in the 56th minute to level the aggregate score and pile pressure on the Falconets.

However, Nigeria responded six minutes later through substitute Precious Oscar, whose goal restored the Falconets’ aggregate advantage and ultimately sealed qualification for the global tournament.

Despite the defeat, the Falconets showed resilience to navigate the difficult away fixture and book their place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

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 level.

The Falconets had won the first leg 2-0 in Ikenne, Ogun State, on May 2.

Nigeria reached the final qualifying round after defeating Rwanda 5-0 on aggregate and Senegal 3-1 on aggregate.

The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to hold in Poland from September 5 to September 26.