Umejiaku shines as best player at U-17 World Cup

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. She helped the Flamingos win their first title in this competition.

The 16-year-old forward received the Golden Ball award for her outstanding play in the tournament. She scored three goals and provided two assists.

Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s second goal in their 2-1 win over Japan in the final on Saturday. The match took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

She played a major role in the Flamingos’ success, contributing to goals in all seven matches. The team bounced back from an opening loss to Poland to win the tournament.

Her goals included games against Poland, DPR Korea, and Mexico. She also assisted in matches against Puerto Rico and Brazil. Additionally, she won a penalty kick in Nigeria’s quarter-final win over Venezuela.

The Golden Ball award highlighted a fantastic tournament for the forward, who plays for Heartland Queens.

In the final, the Flamingos beat Japan 2-1. Awawu Bashiru scored the first goal in the 39th minute. Umejiaku then doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute. Japan managed to score through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute.

With this victory, Nigeria became the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. They are also the first nation to hold titles in both the men’s and women’s U-17 categories.