U-20 WWC: Falconets beat Senegal, set up Malawi clash

Nigeria’s Falconets secured their place in the final round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 result over Senegal in Diamniadio.

Combined with their 1-0 first-leg win in Abeokuta, the result sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph for the two-time World Cup runners-up. The Falconets are now just 180 minutes away from claiming one of Africa’s four tickets to the tournament in Poland in September.

Malawi advanced after edging Guinea-Bissau and will face Nigeria in the decisive round.

Kindness Ifeanyi and Precious Oscar were on target to secure Nigeria’s progression. Ifeanyi opened the scoring in the 19th minute at the Annexe Stade Abdoulaye Wade, heading home from a corner delivered by Tumininu Adeshina, mirroring her goal in Abeokuta.

Oscar doubled the lead in the second half, again converting from an Adeshina corner. Senegal pulled one back with 15 minutes remaining, but it proved a mere consolation.

The final round matches will be played over two legs from May 1 to 10, 2026, with the four winners qualifying for the World Cup in Poland.

Final Round Fixtures:

Ghana vs Uganda

Nigeria vs Malawi

Cameroon vs Tanzania

Ivory Coast vs Benin