Flamingos’ Umejiaku Named U-17 World Cup Best Player

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after inspiring the Flamingos to their historic triumph in Morocco.

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

Umejiaku played a decisive role in Nigeria’s successful campaign, scoring four goals, including the second goal that secured victory over Japan.

Her performance in the final earned her the Player of the Match award after she doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 47th minute, calmly lifting the ball over Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

She also contributed to Nigeria’s attacking performance throughout the competition, helping the team recover from an opening 2-1 defeat to Poland and progress to the final.

According to FIFA, Umejiaku’s performances made her one of the standout players of the tournament, culminating in the individual award.

The forward, who plays for Heartland Queens, finished ahead of DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang, who received the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito claimed the Bronze Ball.

Meanwhile, United States forward Maddie DiMaria won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s highest scorer with 12 goals.

DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong received the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper, while Japan was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.

Nigeria’s triumph over Japan marked the first time an African country has won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The achievement also made the Flamingos the first African team to win a FIFA women’s youth World Cup title, placing Umejiaku among the leading performers in a historic campaign for Nigerian football.