According to a report by FIFA.com on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Nigeria's midfielder Awawu Bashiru has won the Player of the Match award after delivering an outstanding performance to help Nigeria make history by reaching their first-ever final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Bashiru scored twice as Nigeria defeated Brazil 3-1 in their semi-final encounter on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

The Flamingos broke the deadlock in the 56th minute through Queen Joseph, who finished off an assist from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi to give Nigeria the lead.

Bashiru doubled Nigeria's advantage in the 71st minute, with Joseph providing the assist, before completing her brace nine minutes later following a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku.

Brazil managed to pull one goal back in the 89th minute through Greise Kelly, but the Nigerian side held on to secure a memorable victory and book their place in the final.

The achievement marks the first time Nigeria have reached the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Their previous best performance came in 2022, when the Flamingos finished third after defeating Germany in the bronze-medal match in India.

Nigeria's journey to the final has also been remarkable.

After suffering a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland, the team recovered with victories over Puerto Rico, and defending champions North Korea to progress from the group stage.

They subsequently defeated Mexico 2-1 in the Round of 16 before edging Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, courtesy of Azeezat Oduntan's 89th-minute penalty.

Their victory over North Korea was particularly significant, as it ended the defending champions' 18-match unbeaten run in regulation time at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Japan secured the other final spot after defeating North Korea on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their semi-final encounter.

Nigeria will face Japan in the final on Saturday, with the Flamingos seeking to win their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.