According to a report by FIFA.com on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Nigeria's Flamingos midfielder Awawu Bashiru has been named Player of the Match following her impressive display in the team's historic 3-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Bashiru played a crucial role in Nigeria's memorable triumph, scoring twice to help the Flamingos secure their first-ever appearance in the final of the competition. Her outstanding contribution proved decisive as the Nigerian youngsters overcame the South American side at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

Nigeria took the lead in the 56th minute when Queen Joseph found the back of the net after receiving a well-timed pass from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi. The goal gave the Flamingos the confidence they needed to take control of the encounter.

The Nigerian side extended their advantage in the 71st minute through Bashiru, who finished brilliantly after being set up by Joseph. The midfielder was not finished, however, as she scored her second goal in the 80th minute following an assist from Oluebube Umejiaku.

Brazil attempted to fight their way back into the contest when Greise Kelly scored in the 89th minute, but Nigeria maintained their advantage until the final whistle to complete a historic victory.

Bashiru's two-goal contribution earned her the Player of the Match recognition, highlighting her importance to the Flamingos' impressive performance against Brazil.

The victory represents a significant milestone for Nigerian women's youth football, as the country will be competing in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup for the first time.

Nigeria previously achieved their best result in the tournament in 2022, when they finished third after defeating Germany in the third-place playoff in India.

The Flamingos have also demonstrated remarkable determination throughout this year's competition. Despite losing their opening group match 2-1 against Poland, they recovered by defeating Puerto Rico and defending champions North Korea to qualify for the knockout stage.

They subsequently eliminated Mexico with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 before defeating Venezuela 1-0 in the quarter-finals, thanks to Azeezat Oduntan's late penalty.

Meanwhile, Japan booked the other final position after overcoming North Korea on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their semi-final.

Nigeria will now face Japan in Saturday's final, with Bashiru and her teammates hoping to crown their historic campaign by winning the country's first-ever FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title.