Midfielder Awawu Bashiru turned her first start of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup into a night to remember, scoring twice and winning the Player of the Match award as Nigeria defeated Brazil 3–1 to reach the final of the competition for the first time.

The Confluence Queens youngster had not started any of Nigeria’s five previous matches and had accumulated just 73 minutes on the pitch before Wednesday’s semi-final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

But when head coach Hakeem Busari handed her a starting role against Brazil, Bashiru repaid that faith in emphatic fashion.

After Queen Joseph had given Nigeria the lead in the 56th minute, Bashiru doubled the advantage in the 71st minute before completing her brace nine minutes later to put the Flamingos 3–0 ahead. Brazil scored a late consolation through Greise Kelly, but Nigeria held on for a historic victory.  

Her two-goal performance earned Bashiru the official Player of the Match award, making her the latest Nigerian to claim the individual honour at the tournament. FIFA’s official awards list confirms Bashiru as Nigeria’s Player of the Match against Brazil.  

Speaking after the match, the youngster could barely hide her excitement at making such a decisive impact on her first start.

“Today was my first start, so I’m so happy, I’m so excited,” Bashiru said, clutching her Player of the Match trophy.

“I’m so proud of myself, my team-mates, my coach and the teamwork. We did it, and it was not an easy task. I thank God. I’m grateful.”

Bashiru’s breakthrough came at the perfect moment for Nigeria, who had already surpassed their previous best finish of third place at the 2022 edition by reaching the final.

The victory over Brazil also completed a remarkable turnaround for the Flamingos, who began their campaign with a 2–1 defeat to Poland before recovering to win their next matches and advance through the knockout stages.  

Nigeria will now face Japan in Saturday’s final, with the Flamingos chasing a first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title. Japan reached the final after defeating defending champions DPR Korea on penalties.