FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Falconets’ opponent to emerge on May 18 as Ivory Coast pips Gambia 1-0 away 

By Harry Awurumibe, Africa’s No.1 Women Football Journalist

Nigeria’s opponent in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 qualifiers, which started on Friday, will be known on May 18, 2025, even as Ivory Coast defeated host Gambia 1-0 in the first leg of the first round of the African qualifiers.

Africa’s women’s football power-house Nigeria has been drawn in the second round of the competition billed for September 19 for the first leg and  September 28, 2025, for the return leg matches as Africa began its journey to ‘Poland 2026’ yesterday.

The ‘Lady Elephants’ piped the Gambians by a lone goal in the keenly contested match of the first leg of the first round qualifiers played at the Independence Stadium, Bakau when both teams met on Friday,  May 9, 2025.

The Ivorians, who brought their international experience, outsmarted a determined Gambian side eager to cause an upset at home but failed.

Elsewhere,  Rwanda will host Zimbabwe on Sundayat Kigali Pelé Stadium, Kigali in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter. Both teams will be looking to gain an early advantage in their bid for World Cup qualification.

Minors Central African Republic will travel to Lilongwe to tackle Malawi at Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe. Backed by home support, the Malawians aim to gain the upper hand before the return leg in Bangui.

In Juba, South Sudan will host Djibouti  at Juba Stadium, Jub, in a showdown between two developing nations in women’s football asthis match presents a unique opportunity for both sides to showcase their potential.

The West African nation Togo will lay ambush against the North African rivals Tunisia at Stade de Kégué, Lomé, in what is expected to be a closely fought match.

The Tunisians, with a well-established footballing tradition, will face a motivated Togolese squad eager to make their mark.

A total of four nations will represent Africa at global showpiece set for August next year in Poland.

The first leg of qualifiers will be held frogman 9 and 11 with May 16 and 18 scheduled for the return legs.