Flamingos winger Animashaun cites Chelsea star as role model ahead of showdown against USA

Flamingos winger Aishat Animashaun has cited Chelsea and Lionesses star Lauren James as her role model ahead of Saturday's 2024 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup quarterfinal showdown with the United States.

The Flamingos are hoping history repeats itself tonight at the CFC Stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, having defeated the Americans in this same stage of the competition two years ago.

Animashaun has been a key player for Bankole Olowookere's side in Dominican Republic with three consecutive starts in the tournament.

Although the Ninja Rattles starlet has yet to open her goalscoring account in the competition, she is part of an impressive Nigeria attack that tallied nine goals during the group stage.

The 16-year-old has an assist to her name, which came in a 4-0 win versus Ecuador, teeing up Harmony Chidi for the second goal netted by the Flamingos.

Animashaun revealed that Chelsea is her dream club and explained why James is her footballing role model among female football players.

"I want to go higher. I want to play in Chelsea because I'm a Chelsea fan," she said to Fifa.com.

"That's actually my dream team. I like them. I like the way they play. And actually, Lauren James is my role model. I love the way she plays."

Although he has a different playing style compared to Lauren James, Animashaun revealed that she also looks up to Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé.

"I like running. Sometimes, you know, we kids, when we see something, we want to impress ourselves.

"Like, [Kylian] Mbappe is my role model. And, you know, I like doing what he does. I like watching his training. And I determine myself to be like him."

Animashaun discovered Lauren James during the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup, where she played against the Super Falcons in a round of 16 showdown. 

A three-time WSL winner with Chelsea, James was named Chelsea Women's Player of the Year for the 2023-2024 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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