Awawu Bashiru delivered a remarkable performance at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, emerging as one of Nigeria’s key players after initially struggling for regular playing time under head coach Akeem Busari.

The midfielder featured for just 77 minutes between Nigeria’s opening group match and their quarter-final encounter against Venezuela before earning her first start against Brazil in the semi-finals.

Bashiru seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion, scoring twice as the Flamingos defeated Brazil 3-1 to secure a historic place in the final.

She continued her impressive run in the title decider against Japan, scoring Nigeria’s opening goal as the Flamingos claimed a 2-1 victory to become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Speaking after the historic triumph, Bashiru expressed her excitement and gratitude, crediting the team’s unity, discipline and commitment to the coaches’ instructions for their success.

“I'm so happy, I'm so excited and I'm so grateful,” she said.

“The teamwork, instruction and listening to our coaches is why we got the goals and why we won the final. We are history-makers. We made Nigeria, and the millions of people there, proud.”

Bashiru’s contribution in the semi-final and final proved instrumental in Nigeria’s historic campaign, underlining the importance of the opportunities she received in the latter stages of the tournament.