U20 WWC(Q): Moses Aduku confident ahead of Malawi clash

Falconets head coach Moses Aduku is confident that his side is ready to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as they gear up for their double-header final qualifying round against Malawi on May 2nd and May 9th.

​Nigeria secured their spot in the final round by demonstrating their continental dominance over a tough Senegalese side.

Aduku’s side secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg held in Abeokuta, establishing a vital advantage, before following it up with a professional 2-1 away win to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory.

This performance ensured that the two-time World Cup finalists remain on track for the tournament in Poland, maintaining their record of never having missed a global tournament.

​Aduku confident of teams potential

​Speaking with Pan Africa Media after training, Aduku confirmed that all invited players have arrived in camp. He expressed confidence that he has the “best legs” in the league and noted that the focus is now on tactical cohesion.

“We just started preparation, Every player is on the ground now. And we have a full house today. So, therefore, from today, concentration on our team planning, how we are going to play against the Malawians.

I think we have the best legs in the league so far. And it’s just to put them together because they are coming from different clubs.Within the short few days, we are going to train. We are going to see how we put them together to play as a unit.”

He further assured fans that the team is taking the training seriously and is confident they will make the country proud..

“We are going to take it very, serious and tactical also. And I believe by the end of the match, we will come victorious.

Everybody is fine. No injury. And with the oneness, togetherness in the team, it’s a good sign of everybody wanting to play. So, we believe come May 2nd and May 9th, we will make Nigeria proud.

To our supporters, they should just pray for us just as they prayed for us against Senegal, against Rwanda. They should pray for us. And I think Nigeria will smile”

The road to Poland

​The two-legged qualifier will see Nigeria host the first leg on May 2nd before traveling to Malawi for the return fixture a week later.

​Malawi enters the round following an impressive, high-scoring campaign against Guinea-Bissau. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the away leg, the Malawian team dominated the return match at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, dismantling their opponents 5-1.

With a 6-2 aggregate scoreline, Malawi advances to the final stage to face the most consistent African team in FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup history