Nigeria’s Falconets secured a 2-0 victory over Malawi in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday. Goals came from an own goal by Maureen Kenneth and a strike by Kindness Ifeanyi. The team now holds a strong advantage ahead of the return leg.
Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, dominated Malawi’s Young Scorchers to win 2-0 in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday. Despite creating numerous chances, they struggled to score in the first half, thwarted partly by Malawi goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi.
Coach Moses Adukwu’s tactical adjustments paid off immediately after halftime. In the 47th minute, a delivery into the box forced Maureen Kenneth into an own goal. Ten minutes later, Faridat Abdulwahab assisted Kindness Ifeanyi, who doubled the lead with a clinical finish.
Malawi mounted a late rally, but Nigeria’s defence held firm. The victory brightens Nigeria’s prospects of qualifying for the tournament, where they have featured since its inception as an U19 event in 2002.
Remo Stars FC president Hon. Kunle Soname awarded the Falconets 1 million Naira, fulfilling his pre-match promise of 500,000 Naira per goal. The second leg is scheduled for Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, May 9, at 3pm Malawi time (2pm Nigeria time).
