Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after receiving the Golden Ball award on Saturday.
The 16-year-old striker earned the honour after playing a key role in helping the Flamingos secure their first-ever title in the competition.
Umejiaku emerged ahead of Yu Jong-Hyang of Korea DPR and Fuki Ito of Japan, who finished second and third respectively in the award standings.
She scored four goals during Nigeria’s campaign, including the winning goal in the Flamingos’ 2-1 victory over Japan in the final.
FIFA described her as an “electric forward” and praised the Imo State-born player as the “star of the show” in the final.
The Heartland Queens FC striker began the tournament as a substitute in Nigeria’s opening defeat to Poland but became an important member of the team from their second match.
She scored in the Flamingos’ 3-1 victory over Korea DPR, a result that marked a significant moment in Nigeria’s campaign.
Umejiaku also received several Player of the Match awards, including recognition for her performances in the final and the round of 16.
She was equally part of the Flamingos squad that won the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in September.