FIFA U-20 WWC: Malawi coach: ‘Playing Nigeria an achievement’

Malawi under-20 women’s national team coach Maggie Chombo says her wards are ready to face Nigeria on Saturday, 2 May 2026, describing the encounter with the Falconets as a major milestone.

The Malawi women’s football pioneer gave an update on the Junior Scorchers’ preparedness ahead of the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup (FIFA U-20 WWC) final qualifying round, first leg, at Remo Stars Stadium.

“Everyone is ready for the game,” Chombo told Malawi FA media on Friday, 1 May 2026. “Morale is high. The weather is good—it is not as hot as we anticipated. The players have shown character. They are ready for the game.”

Why playing the Falconets of Nigeria is a milestone for Malawi

The FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women mentor described facing the Falconets as a significant achievement, considering Nigeria’s massive profile and consistent World Cup qualification record.

“As a coach, this is a big achievement, and it is a big achievement for the players as well,” she said. “Nigeria is a big team. They have gone to the World Cup so many times, but football is changing.

“To reach this stage means we are growing. To play Nigeria is a big achievement for the nation and the players as well. Psychologically and mentally, everyone is fit. Everyone is ready for the game.”

The Junior Scorchers have never qualified for the finals of a major global competition. In contrast, Nigeria has featured in the World Cup finals 11 times, most recently in 2024.

Beefing up for the first leg

Ahead of the away fixture, Chombo named her final 20-member travelling party, which includes midfielders Leticia Chinyamula, Olivia Phikani, and Sarah Mlimbika, and goalkeeper Esther Maulidi. The Malawi squad left for Nigeria on Monday, 27 April 2026.

The four up-and-coming players were part of the Malawi senior team squad that featured in the FIFA Series in Kenya earlier in April 2026, where they faced Australia and India.

The Junior Scorchers will host the return leg of the FIFA U-20 WWC qualifiers on Saturday, 9 May, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. The aggregate winner of the two legs will book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Chombo’s girls booked their date with the Falconets after thrashing Guinea-Bissau 5-1 on aggregate in the previous qualifying round in February.

Final Qualifying Round Fixtures

Nigeria vs. Malawi

Cameroon vs. Tanzania

Ghana vs. Uganda

Ivory Coast vs. Benin