Meet Nigeria’s only award winner at the just-concluded 2026 FIFA U-17 WWC

According to a report by FIFA.com on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Oluebube Umejiaku has emerged as Nigeria’s only individual award winner at the just-concluded 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after claiming the prestigious adidas Golden Ball following her outstanding performances at the tournament.

The talented forward played a decisive role in helping the Flamingos make history by winning their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, defeating Japan 2-1 in the final on Saturday night.

Umejiaku was instrumental in the historic victory, scoring Nigeria’s second goal in the 47th minute, which proved to be the winning goal after Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute.

Her goal in the final took her tally to four goals in the competition.

The Golden Ball recognition adds to an impressive tournament for the young Nigerian, who also earned two Player of the Match awards during the competition.

Her first came in Nigeria’s 2-1 Round of 16 victory over Mexico on October 29, where she opened the scoring in the 40th minute.

She subsequently received the honour again following her match-winning performance against Japan in the final.

Umejiaku’s achievement also highlights the depth of talent in the Flamingos squad, who progressed past Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil before overcoming Japan to lift the trophy.

Nigeria’s triumph was particularly significant as it made the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The victory also ended a remarkable campaign in which the team demonstrated resilience, attacking quality, and determination against some of the world’s strongest youth teams.

For Umejiaku, the adidas Golden Ball represents a major personal milestone and recognition of her contribution to one of the most historic achievements in Nigerian women’s football.

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