Flamingos star Umejiaku wins FIFA award after inspiring Nigeria to world glory

Nigeria’s rising football star, Oluebube Umejiaku, has earned one of the biggest individual honours in youth football after being named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The 16-year-old forward received the prestigious Golden Ball award following an outstanding campaign that culminated in Nigeria winning its first-ever title in the competition.

Umejiaku played a decisive role in the Flamingos’ historic triumph, scoring four goals during the tournament, including the crucial second goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat.

Her effort came in the 47th minute when she controlled a long pass from Esther Stephen before delicately lifting the ball over Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to extend Nigeria’s advantage.

The Heartland Queens forward emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout performers after starting the tournament as a substitute in the opening defeat to Poland. She subsequently became an influential figure in the team’s remarkable recovery.

Umejiaku also impressed in Nigeria’s victory over defending champions North Korea and the knockout-stage matches, collecting multiple Player of the Match honours along the way.

North Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang finished second in the individual rankings to claim the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.

Meanwhile, United States forward Maddie DiMaria won the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s highest goalscorer with 12 goals. North Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong received the Golden Glove.

Nigeria’s victory over Japan also secured a landmark achievement, making the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The triumph marked a significant milestone for Nigerian women’s football, with Umejiaku’s individual recognition further highlighting the country’s emerging generation of female football talents.