Falconets ready for final battle with Malawi, says Moses Aduku
Head coach of Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, Moses Aduku, has declared the Falconets ready for their decisive FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Malawi.
Nigeria heads into Saturday’s second-leg encounter in Lilongwe with a comfortable 2–0 aggregate advantage, but Aduku insists the job is not yet finished despite the Falconets’ strong position.
Speaking ahead of the match, the coach made it clear that his side arrived in Malawi focused solely on securing qualification for the World Cup in Poland.
“First and foremost, we thank God for journey mercy to Malawi. We are here for business, and we are prepared,” Aduku said.
The Falconets will face a Malawian side boasting an impressive home record at the Bingu National Stadium, but the Nigerian tactician believes records are meant to be broken.
“There is always a first time,” he added confidently.
While acknowledging the threat posed by the hosts, Aduku stressed that Nigeria respects Malawi but remains fully determined to finish the job.
“They are not a pushover. They are a good team, and we respect them. But tomorrow we are here to play and to win. We’ve watched them, we’ve strategised, and we will execute tomorrow,” he stated.
Despite holding a two-goal cushion from the first leg, the coach maintained that the Falconets would approach the game with seriousness and discipline, describing the fixture as the final hurdle on the road to the World Cup.
“This is just the last 90 minutes to the World Cup. Strategically, you will know by tomorrow. I don’t need to reveal anything we’ve done,” Aduku said.
The former Bayelsa Queens coach also confirmed that the team had received additional motivation through a financial incentive promised by Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname, although he insisted there was no pressure on the squad.
“No pressure at all. The girls are prepared and ready to go,” he said.
Falconets captain Joy Igbokwe echoed her coach’s confidence, assuring Nigerians that the team understands the importance of the encounter.
“We are here for business, and we will take tomorrow’s game with all seriousness,” the skipper said.
Igbokwe added that the squad’s hunger for qualification remains the biggest driving force within the camp.
“We have a strong mentality to take all games seriously and win at all costs. The motivation is appreciated, but this ticket means a lot to us,” she stated.
Aduku also praised the warm reception the team has received in Malawi, emphasizing the spirit of sportsmanship surrounding the fixture.
“Football is not war, it’s a game. After the match, we remain friends,” he added.
The crucial encounter will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm Nigerian time.
The winner over two legs will secure one of Africa’s four qualification slots for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup set to hold in Poland from September 5 to 27.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
