Nigeria’s Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball After Flamingos’ World Cup Triumph, Award Full List

• Oluebube Umejiaku has won the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after helping Nigeria’s Flamingos secure their historic first title.

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has crowned her FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign with the Golden Ball, earning recognition as the tournament’s best player.

The award followed the Flamingos’ 2–1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Rabat, Morocco, where Umejiaku scored the decisive goal.

Her individual honour accompanied a historic team achievement: Nigeria became the first African nation to win the competition.

Umejiaku played a central role in the final, repeatedly threatening Japan’s defence. She struck the crossbar with a first-half header before producing the finish that ultimately secured the trophy.

With Nigeria leading through Awawu Bashiru’s 39th-minute opener, Umejiaku raced onto Esther Stephen’s pass shortly after the restart. She controlled the ball and lifted it over goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki to double the advantage in the 47th minute.

Japan later reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito, but the Flamingos protected their lead until the final whistle.

Umejiaku also received the final’s Player of the Match award, adding another distinction to her performance on the biggest night of Nigeria’s campaign.

Her winning strike was her fourth goal of the competition, according to FIFA’s account of Nigeria’s triumph.

Other tournament honours went to players from DPR Korea, Japan and the United States. DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang received the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito took the Bronze Ball.

United States forward Maddie DiMaria finished as the leading scorer with 12 goals, winning the Golden Boot.

The complete awards list was:

• Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku — Nigeria
• Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang — DPR Korea
• Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito — Japan
• Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria — United States
• Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang — DPR Korea
• Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong — DPR Korea
• Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong — DPR Korea
• FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan

The honours were announced following the conclusion of the tournament on November 7.