Two-goal heroine Awawu Bashiru named Player of the Match after Brazil elimination

Nigeria midfielder Awawu Bashiru has been named Player of the Match after scoring twice in the Flamingos‘ 3-1 victory over Brazil to secure a place in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final, Made In Africa Sport reports.

The Flamingos became the first African team to reach the final of the competition after Wednesday’s semi-final victory in Morocco, with Bashiru scoring twice after coming on as a substitute.

Her second-half contribution helped Nigeria eliminate the previously unbeaten Brazilians and reach their first final since the tournament began in 2008.

Bashiru extends Flamingos’ lead

Nigeria struggled to break down Brazil’s defence in the first half, with neither side finding the net before the interval.

The Flamingos eventually broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Queen Joseph converted a pass from Oluwakemi Adegbuyi to give Nigeria the lead.

Bashiru doubled their advantage in the 71st minute, finishing off an assist from Joseph to put the Flamingos in control.

The midfielder struck again nine minutes later, completing her brace after receiving a pass from Oluebube Umejiaku to make it 3-0.

Brazil reduced the deficit through Greise Kelly in the 89th minute, but Nigeria maintained their two-goal advantage to secure a 3-1 victory and book their place in the final.

Awawu Bashiru: Flamingos’ impact substitute

Bashiru has become an attacking option for coach Akeem Busari, with her ability to influence matches after coming off the bench adding another dimension to Nigeria’s attack.

Her performance against Brazil underlined that contribution, as she scored twice after her introduction to help the Flamingos secure their first appearance in a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final.

The midfielder celebrated her second goal with the ‘night-night’ gesture popularised by NBA star Stephen Curry. The celebration, in which she mimicked falling asleep, quickly attracted attention on social media.

Bashiru’s two goals also took centre stage in Nigeria’s victory over a Brazilian side that had not lost a match in the tournament before the semi-final.

The Flamingos are now one win away from becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria will face Japan in Saturday’s final, with both teams seeking their first title in the competition.

The final is scheduled for 7 November at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, in Rabat, Morocco.

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