Flamingos crush Brazil 3-1 to reach U-17 WWC final, Bashiru stars with brace

Nigeria's Flamingos crush Brazil 3-1 in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup semi-final at Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3, Rabat on Wednesday night. Winger Awawu Bashiru announces herself on the big stage with a brace on her first start of the tournament, playing 73 minutes before being substituted. The teenager earns Player of the Match honours for her enterprising display down the flank.

"It was not an easy task," Bashiru tells FIFA after the game. "I'm so proud of myself, my teammates, my coach and the teamwork. I thank God." The victory puts Nigeria in Saturday's final against Japan, with the Flamingos carrying the continent's hopes as Africa's sole representatives at this stage.

Head coach Bankole Olowookere's side has now won five straight matches in Morocco, conceding just twice. Bashiru's emergence adds fresh attacking dimension ahead of the final—she created three chances and completed four dribbles against Brazil's vaunted defence.

The final kicks off Saturday at 8pm Nigerian time at the same venue. Japan topped their group with 12 goals scored and none conceded, but Nigeria's physicality and set-piece threat could trouble the technically gifted Asians.

Will you be watching Saturday's final, and does this run signal a changing of the guard in African women's youth football?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/05/2026-u-17-wwc-bashiru-relishes-flamingos-victory-over-brazil/