SOLUDO HAILS UMEJIAKU AFTER GOLDEN BALL TRIUMPH AT U-17 WORLD CUP
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has congratulated Oluebube Umejiaku, the state-born midfielder who emerged as the Most Valuable Player at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Umejiaku clinched the prestigious Golden Ball award after leading Nigeria’s Flamingos to a historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final held on November 7.
The talented midfielder also scored Nigeria’s second goal, which proved decisive in securing the victory, earning her the Player of the Match award in the final.
The triumph made Nigeria’s Flamingos the first African women’s national team to win a FIFA World Cup title at any level.
Soludo, through his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, described Umejiaku’s performance throughout the competition as outstanding.
In recognition of her achievement, the Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, General Chikelue Iloenyosi, travelled to Abuja on November 9 to receive and celebrate the young football star on behalf of the state government.
Iloenyosi praised Soludo for his commitment to sports development and his efforts to discover, support and nurture sporting talents across Anambra State.
He noted that Umejiaku’s emergence on the global stage demonstrated the importance of grassroots sports development and sustained investment in young athletes.
The midfielder’s Golden Ball achievement has also been hailed as a significant source of inspiration for aspiring female footballers in Anambra State and across the South-East.
From her early days in football to becoming the standout performer at a global tournament, Umejiaku’s rise represents a major milestone for women’s football in the state.
Her impressive outing in Morocco has further showcased Nigeria’s potential in women’s youth football and established her as one of the emerging talents attracting international attention.
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