Historic Double Glory! Umejiaku Named Best Player As Nigeria Makes U-17 World Cup History

Nigeria’s rising football star, Oluebube Umejiaku, has been crowned the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after winning the adidas Golden Ball award following the Flamingos’ historic triumph in Morocco.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Umejiaku received the prestigious individual honour after playing a significant role in Nigeria’s successful campaign, which ended with a 2-1 victory over Japan in the final in Rabat.

The Nigerian forward scored her country’s second goal in the final, taking her overall tally to four goals in the tournament and helping the Flamingos become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Her outstanding performances throughout the competition earned her the Golden Ball, placing her ahead of DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang, who finished second and received the Silver Ball. Japan’s Fuki Ito claimed the Bronze Ball.

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

Yu Jong-hyang secured the Silver Boot, while her DPR Korea teammate, Ri Ui-gyong, received the Bronze Boot.

DPR Korea also celebrated another individual achievement as goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, earning the adidas Golden Glove award.

Despite losing the final to Nigeria, Japan received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy in recognition of its conduct during the competition.

The 2026 tournament therefore ended with Nigeria celebrating both its first-ever U-17 Women’s World Cup title and a major individual award for Umejiaku, whose impressive performances further highlighted the country’s growing talent in women’s football.