OLUEBUBE UMEJIAKU NAMED BEST PLAYER AS FLAMINGOS WIN MAIDEN FIFA U-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TITLE

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By: Muftau Fatimo

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following her outstanding performances in helping the Flamingos secure their first-ever title in the competition.

The 16-year-old forward clinched the Golden Ball award after scoring three goals and providing two assists during the tournament.

Umejiaku was also on target in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco, scoring the team’s second goal.

The Heartland Queens forward played a crucial role in Nigeria’s successful campaign, contributing to goals in all seven matches as the Flamingos bounced back from an opening defeat to Poland to emerge champions.

Her contributions included goals against Poland, DPR Korea and Mexico, alongside assists against Puerto Rico and Brazil. She also won a penalty during Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Venezuela.

Her Golden Ball triumph capped an impressive individual campaign, which saw her emerge as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

In the final, Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half. Japan later reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute.

The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, as well as the first country from the continent to claim titles in both the men’s and women’s U-17 categories.

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