Oluebube Umejiaku says Nigeria’s players drew strength from their coaches’ instructions as they secured a historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The result gave Akeem Busari’s side their first title in the competition and made them the first team to lose their opening match of a tournament before going on to become champions.

Umejiaku played a decisive role in the final, scoring Nigeria’s second goal and being named Player of the Match. Awawu Bashiru had put the Flamingos ahead before half-time, before Umejiaku’s strike completed the scoring.

Speaking to FIFA, Umejiaku said the team had remained focused despite the difficulty of the match.

“I feel good, I feel very happy. I thank God for everything. It was very difficult for us, but the instructions of the coaches made us put our heads up and just take everything as it comes,” she said.

“We didn’t have to push for the goals, just to keep ourselves up and we needed to encourage ourselves on the field of play.”

The victory completed an outstanding tournament for Umejiaku, who scored four goals and provided two assists across seven matches.

Her performances also earned her the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s leading individual player, adding personal recognition to Nigeria’s landmark success.

The Flamingos’ triumph over Japan capped a campaign in which the team overcame the setback of losing their first game to claim the title.