Nigeria and Ghana seal FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 qualification

Nigeria and Ghana booked their places at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 on Saturday, 09 May after two qualification clashes against Malawi and Uganda respectively.

Malawi 2-1 Nigeria

Scorers: Faith Chinzimu (8’, 55’) / Precious Oscar (62’)

Nigeria survived a major scare in Lilongwe after falling 2-1 to Malawi in the second leg. Their 2-0 victory from the first leg proved decisive as they advanced 3-2 on aggregate.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Malawi started brightly and threatened a historic comeback. Fresh from her European title triumph with BK Häcken, Faith Chinzimu ignited the contest early with an opener in the 8th minute before completing her brace shortly after the restart.

For a brief spell, the Junior Scorchers looked capable of overturning the deficit and securing a famous qualification.

However, Nigeria responded through Precious Oscar, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to score a crucial away goal and restore calm for the visitors. The strike silenced the Bingu National Stadium and confirmed the Falconets’ qualification for another appearance on the global stage in Poland this year.

Uganda 1-1 Ghana

Scorers: Sylvia Kabene (6’) / Precious Asante (78’)

In Kampala, Uganda’s hopes of reaching a first-ever FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup were ended by a resilient Ghana side after a 1-1 draw.

The Queen Cranes made the perfect start when Sylvia Kabene gave the hosts an early lead, putting Uganda firmly back into contention.

Ghana’s task became even more difficult after Margaret Agyapomaa was sent off with twenty minutes remaining, leaving the Black Princesses to finish the match with ten players.

But the West Africans showed their experience under pressure. With eleven minutes left on the clock, captain Linda Owusu delivered a superb free-kick into the top corner to rescue Ghana and silence the home supporters.

Despite late pressure from Uganda in the closing stages, Ghana held firm to secure the crucial draw and confirm qualification for an eighth FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup appearance.