Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has won the Adidas Golden Ball award at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco following the Flamingos’ historic title victory.
Umejiaku received the tournament’s top individual honour after playing a key role in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat.
The forward scored Nigeria’s second goal in the 47th minute, following an assist from Esther Stephen, to help the team secure its first-ever title in the competition.
She finished the tournament with four goals, establishing herself as one of the standout performers in Nigeria’s successful campaign.
DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang won the Silver Ball, Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball, while United States forward Maddie DiMaria claimed the Golden Boot after scoring 12 goals, despite her country’s elimination in the quarter-finals.
DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong received the Golden Glove for her performances during the tournament, while Japan was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.
Nigeria’s triumph also marked a historic achievement for African football, as the Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
ademolasports.com
