U-20 Women’s World Cup (Q): Malawi draw inspiration from Chawinga for Nigeria clash

Malawi under-20 women’s national team midfielder Leticia Chinyamula has disclosed the Junior Scorchers’ source of inspiration going into Saturday’s meeting with Nigeria.

She said this ahead of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg meeting with the Falconets at Remo Stars Stadium on 2 May 2026.

The Junior Scorchers skipper told the Malawi FA media that the team draws inspiration from Chawinga sisters Temwa and Tabitha.

Junior Scorchers seek to emulate Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga

She said the game against the Falconets presents the up-and-coming players an opportunity to emulate the more successful Tabitha who plays for Olympique Lyonnes in France. Temwa is on the books of Kansas City Current in America.

“We look up to players like Temwa and Tabitha,” Chinyamula said. “They always remind us that we can achieve even more than they have. This match is one of those moments for us to prove that. We are ready to give everything for our country.”

Tabitha became the first Malawian women’s footballer to sign for a European side when she joined Swedish club Krokom-Varsatts in 2013. Her move opened the door for her younger sister Temwa before many others followed suit.

There are now four Malawian women footballers in Europe, including Rose Kabzere (Montpellier, France) and Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken, Sweden).

Maggie Chombo declares Malawi ready for Nigeria

Earlier, Malawi under-20 women’s team coach Maggie Chombo described facing the Falconets as an achievement considering their huge profile as far as qualifying for the World Cup finals is concerned.

“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,” the coach said.

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

Video courtesy of Pan-Africa Football’s Adaramola Yemiblak

The Junior Scorchers have never qualified for the final of any major competition. In contrast, the Nigerians have been to the World Cup finals 11 times, the last being in 2024.

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

The Young Scorchers will host the return leg of the FIFA U-20 WWC qualifiers on Saturday, May 9 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The overall winner of the two legs will book a ticket to the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Fixtures for final round of U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying

Next stop: the 4th and final round of the U-20 WWC Qualifiers. Who are you backing? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/gyFKGhe021

— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) May 1, 2026