The Malawi Junior Scorchers coach Maggie Chombo-Sadik is confident that her side will book a ticket to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
After thumping Guinea-Bissau 6–2 on aggregate, Malawi will take on Nigeria in May, with the first leg set to take place between May 1–3 in Nigeria before the return leg at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi between May 8–10.
Nigeria overcame Senegal 3–1 on aggregate to qualify for the final round of the qualifiers, setting up a matchup with Malawi.
Malawi coach Chombo-Sadik says although she has not gathered enough information about Nigeria, she remains confident her charges will progress.
“Not that much but they are a strong side, winning 2-1 away to Senegal, not an easy achievement. I know Nigeria as a strong team, but with good preparations we will overcome,” she said.
She then asked for more friendlies: “We will need to play at least two to three friendlies, which will help us. Of course four players have been included into the senior team which will also be good,” she added.
Nigeria taking each game as it comes – Aduku
The Nigeria U-20 Women’s National Team, also known as the Falconets, has appeared at the World Cup nine times. They are determined to make history this time around under coach Moses Aduku.
Aduku was appointed Head Coach on July 25, 2025, replacing Christopher Danguma, who, for the third time in a row, lost in the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Aduku says he is taking each game at a time and people should trust the process: “The players are fit, focused, and ready. We have worked very hard in camp, and we approach every match with the seriousness of a final to maintain the right mentality and match sharpness,” the coach explained ahead of the Senegal match.
Other teams that have progressed are Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin.
In the next round, Malawi will face Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire will take on Benin, and Cameroon will face Tanzania. Winners will secure Africa’s four tickets to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
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