Anambra Welcomes Home Golden Ball Hero Umejiaku After Flamingos World Cup Glory

According to a report by The Punch, the Anambra State Government on Tuesday officially welcomed home Oluebube Umejiaku, one of the Nigerian Flamingos players who helped the country win its first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.

The 16-year-old forward received special recognition from the state following her impressive performances at the tournament held in Morocco. Her achievement has brought attention to Anambra and added to Nigeria’s growing presence in women’s football.

Umejiaku plays for Heartland Queens FC in the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership. Before the competition, she was mainly known among followers of Nigerian domestic football. However, her performances on the international stage have now introduced her to a much wider audience.

Speaking at a news conference in Awka, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Patrick Agha Mba, praised the young footballer for her contribution to Nigeria’s success. He described her achievement as a source of pride for both the state and the country.

Umejiaku finished the competition with four goals and two assists, performances that earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award. She also received the adidas Golden Ball, which is presented to the best player of the competition. She finished ahead of Yu Jong-Hyang of Korea DPR and Fuki Ito of Japan in the award race.

One of her most important contributions came in the final against Japan on Saturday, November 7. Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, becoming the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage shortly after the restart. Her 47th-minute goal came after she calmly chipped the Japanese goalkeeper. Japan later reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos maintained their lead until the final whistle.

According to FIFA, Umejiaku became one of the standout players of the competition despite starting Nigeria’s opening match against Poland as a substitute. She gradually established herself in the team and played an important role as Nigeria recovered from their opening defeat to progress through the tournament.

The forward, who comes from Aguata in Anambra State, dedicated her Golden Ball award to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo during a visit to Abuja on Monday night. The presentation was attended by Anambra State Football Association Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi, who had been sent to receive her.

Umejiaku is expected to present the award formally to Governor Soludo at the Government House in Awka. Her return marks an important moment for the state as it celebrates a young player whose performances have contributed to a historic achievement for Nigerian and African football.

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