Flamingos’ Oluebube Umejiaku named best player at 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after helping the Flamingos win the tournament in Morocco.

The 16-year-old forward received the Golden Ball award following Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.

Umejiaku, who started the tournament as a substitute, finished with four goals, including the winner against Japan. She was also named Player of the Match in the final.

Speaking to FIFA after the victory, the Heartland Queens striker recalled how the team recovered from losing its opening match 2-1 to Poland.

She said the players challenged themselves to approach every subsequent match as a final.

Umejiaku also explained that she remained patient while waiting for an opportunity to join the starting lineup, praying for her teammates and preparing for her chance.

Flamingos coach Akeem Busari said his team selection was based on character, attitude and performance rather than individual ability alone.

“No matter how good you are, I’m a coach that plays on character,” he told FIFA.

He said the players earned their places through their commitment during training and matches.

Against Japan, Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute.

Fuki Ito reduced the deficit for Japan in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to become the first African country to win the competition.

Oluebube Umejiaku won the Golden Ball ahead of North Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang, who received the Silver Ball, and Japan’s Fuki Ito, who claimed the Bronze Ball.

President Bola Tinubu also congratulated the Flamingos in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.

“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” he said.

President Tinubu praised Umejiaku, Bashiru and their teammates for their performance throughout the tournament.

He also commended the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission, while promising support for grassroots sports development.

Nigeria’s previous highest finish at the tournament was third place in 2022.

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