Taiwo Afolabi admits: I never expected to win POTM award against Burkina Faso

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria U20 midfielder, Taiwo Afolabi has admits she never imagined the possibility of winning the Player of the Match award in the Falconets’ 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

The U17 Women’s World Cup bronze winner was at her best to inspire the Falconets to another superlative performance against the Burkinabes in their final group B encounter and was adjudged the best player on the pitch.

The Delta Queens midfielder attributed her individual accolade to team work, while reiterating her dream of bringing the trophy back to Nigeria.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be sincere, my aim is just to go to the pitch of play and give my best to my team to emerge victorious,” Afolabi told Nigeriafootball.ng.

“We have had great performance in Ghana and our target remains bringing the trophy back to Nigeria.

“We have prepared hard for this tournament and the team is focused on winning the tournament for Nigeria. The coaches have been very helpful to the team as their tactics are really helping us to achieve good results.”

The midfield maestro hopes the award can inspire her to becoming a better version of herself on and off the pitch.

“Honestly I just know that I’ve really tried and put in my best in this tournament.

“I will leave those watching me to rate my performance and one of the ratings I got was what made me to win the Player of the Match against Burkina Faso.

“I’m glad it came to spur me to play better and improve my performances whenever I set my foot on the pitch.”

The Falconets will engage Benin Republic in the semifinal on May 31 at the Baba Yara stadium, Kumasi, Ghana.