Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku wins Golden Ball after an outstanding FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign, helping the Flamingos make history. The 16-year-old forward finished the competition with four goals and two assists, contributing directly throughout Nigeria’s historic championship journey.
Umejiaku immediately announced her quality against Poland, scoring Nigeria’s opening tournament goal after coming off the bench during their opening defeat. Against Puerto Rico, she provided an assist for Nigeria’s second goal, helping the Flamingos secure an important victory.
The forward continued her impressive form against defending champions DPR Korea, scoring during Nigeria’s memorable 3-1 group-stage triumph. Her attacking influence remained evident against Mexico, where she opened the scoring in Nigeria’s 2-1 round-of-16 victory.
During the quarter-final against Venezuela, Umejiaku won the crucial penalty that captain Azeezat Oduntan converted to secure qualification. She then delivered another important contribution against Brazil, assisting Nigeria’s third goal during their impressive 3-1 semi-final victory.
Finally, Umejiaku completed her remarkable tournament with a decisive goal against Japan, securing Nigeria’s historic 2-1 final victory. Her composed finish arrived in the 47th minute, doubling Nigeria’s advantage after Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring shortly before halftime.
Across the competition, Umejiaku recorded four goals and two assists, while contributing to Nigeria’s attacking threat in every match. Her consistent performances earned the adidas Golden Ball, recognising her as the tournament’s outstanding individual player in Morocco.
The award capped an extraordinary campaign, especially after Nigeria recovered from their opening defeat to Poland and won six consecutive matches. Umejiaku’s achievement also highlights Nigeria’s growing strength in women’s football and the promise emerging from its youth development programmes.
Her four goals, two assists and decisive contributions helped Nigeria become Africa’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions.
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