Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the winner of the adidas Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming Nigeria’s only individual award recipient following the Flamingos’ historic title triumph, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The forward played a key role in Nigeria’s successful campaign, which ended with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final to secure the country’s first-ever title in the competition.

Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s second goal in the 47th minute of the final, giving the Flamingos a 2-0 advantage before Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute.

The strike took her tournament tally to four goals and highlighted her importance to the team throughout the competition.

Her Golden Ball recognition also followed two Player of the Match awards during the tournament.

The first came in Nigeria’s 2-1 Round of 16 victory over Mexico on October 29, when she opened the scoring in the 40th minute.

She received her second award after another influential display against Japan in the final, helping Nigeria secure the trophy.

Umejiaku’s individual achievement rounded off an impressive team campaign in which the Flamingos defeated Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil in the knockout rounds before overcoming Japan in the championship match.

The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a breakthrough for the country and the continent’s women's football.

For Umejiaku, the Golden Ball adds an individual distinction to a memorable tournament in which she helped deliver one of the biggest achievements in Nigerian women's football history.