Malawi Name Squad for Crunch U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Against Nigeria

Malawi’s U-20 Women’s National Team head coach, Maggie Chombo, has unveiled a 20-player squad ahead of the decisive final round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.

The Young Scorchers are targeting one of Africa’s four available slots for the tournament, which will be held in Poland.

Among the selected players are four standout names—Leticia Chinyamula, Olivia Phikani, Sarah Mlimbika, and Esther Maulidi—who recently featured for the senior national team during the FIFA Series held in Kenya.

Malawi will face Nigeria’s Falconets in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for Saturday, May 2 in Nigeria. The return leg will take place on May 9 at the Bingu National Stadium.

The team is expected to depart soon as preparations intensify for the high-stakes encounter.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers:

Ireen Sibande (Silver Strikers Ladies)

Emily Nkhwazi (Kukoma Ntopwa Women)

Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens)

Defenders:

Maureen Keneth (Ascent Soccer Academy)

Talandira Chinyamvula (Ascent Soccer Academy)

Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Women)

Ongani Masamba (Luwinga Academy)

Alinafe Milanzi (Civil Service Women)

Midfielders:

Carolyne Mlezo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women)

Sarah Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women FC)

Leticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy)

Anna Baziliyo (Civil Service Women)

Kondawo Banda (Kukoma Ntopwa Women)

Linda Manda (Silver Strikers Ladies)

Enelesi Fabiano (Mzuzu City Hammers)

Victoria Mkwala (Ascent Soccer Academy)

Forwards:

Mary Chindeya (Kukoma Ntopwa Women)

Fatima Lali (Ascent Soccer Academy)

Grace Kakangula (Silver Strikers Ladies)

Mayamiko Mkandawire (Ascent Soccer Academy)

The clash promises to be a stern test for Malawi as they go up against a traditionally strong Nigerian side, with a World Cup spot firmly on the line.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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