Oluebube Umejiaku has emerged as Nigeria’s sole individual award winner at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after claiming the prestigious adidas Golden Ball for her outstanding performances, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
The talented forward played a pivotal role in guiding Nigeria’s Flamingos to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title, following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final.
Umejiaku was instrumental in the historic triumph, scoring Nigeria’s second goal in the 47th minute, which proved decisive after Japan’s Fuki Ito pulled one back in the 80th minute.
The goal took her tally to four in the tournament and further underlined her importance to the Nigerian side throughout the competition.
Her Golden Ball award capped an impressive individual campaign, during which she also received two Player of the Match honours.
Her first recognition came in Nigeria’s 2-1 round-of-16 victory over Mexico on October 29, when she opened the scoring in the 40th minute
She earned her second Player of the Match award after delivering another outstanding performance in the final against Japan, helping the Flamingos secure their historic title.
Umejiaku’s individual success reflected Nigeria’s impressive team performance throughout the tournament, as the Flamingos overcame Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before defeating Japan to lift the trophy.
The victory marked a landmark moment for African women’s football, with Nigeria becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos’ historic campaign was characterised by resilience, attacking quality and determination as they overcame some of the strongest teams in youth women’s football.
For Umejiaku, the adidas Golden Ball represents a significant personal achievement and further recognition of her contribution to one of the greatest milestones in Nigerian women’s football history.
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