Coach of the Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team, Maggie Chombo, says her side is not under pressure as they prepare to face the Nigeria Under-20 Women’s National Team this afternoon at Remo Stars Stadium in Ogun State, Nigeria.
This is the first leg of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The second leg will be played at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, 9 May. Winner of this fixture will qualify at the World Cup, which will be held in Poland from 5 to 27 September, 2026.
Chombo said they are expecting a good match and urged fans to believe the team.
“It motivates both the technical panel and the players. It is a reminder that we have come from far to reach this stage, and that alone is an achievement,” she said.
The coach also said all players are fit and available for selection ahead of the game.
Captain for the Young Scorchers, Leticia Chinyamula, stressed that the squad is ready to fight for the country by looking at the motivation from the Chawinga Sisters.
“We look up to players like Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. 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,” Chinyamula said.
On the other hand, Nigeria’s Head Coach, Moses Aduku, said his team is also ready to rise to the occassion.
“We have worked extensively on our tactics, fitness, and team cohesion,” Aduku said.
Captain for the young Falconets, Joy Igbokwe, also reaffirmed the squad’s determination.
“We are fully prepared and focused on the task ahead,” she said.
Malawi comes to this stage after beating Guinea-Bissau 6-2 on aggregate, while Nigeria did so by beating Senegal 3-1 on both legs.
