According to a report by Daily Post on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has credited faith, teamwork and the technical crew after the Flamingos secured their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title with a 2-1 victory over Japan.

In Saturday’s final, she scored Nigeria’s second goal after Awawu Bashiru had put the team ahead before the interval. Japan later pulled one back through Fuki Ito with 10 minutes left, but Nigeria protected its advantage to claim the trophy.

Umejiaku said she was pleased with the achievement and thanked God for helping the squad negotiate the difficult moments of the tournament. She also recognised the coaches’ role, explaining that their instructions helped the players stay confident and focused as the competition progressed.

The triumph carried significance because Nigeria became the first team in the tournament’s history to win the title after losing its opening match. The Flamingos recovered from that early setback and went on to finish the campaign as world champions.

Umejiaku described the route to the trophy as challenging, while pointing to the players’ willingness to listen to the technical crew and apply the guidance they received. Her remarks placed emphasis on the collective effort behind Nigeria’s recovery and success, rather than on individual performance alone.

Her contribution was important. Across seven appearances, the forward scored four goals and provided two assists, helping Nigeria reach the final and overcome Japan in the match.

Those performances earned her the tournament’s Golden Ball, awarded to the competition’s best player. She collected the Player of the Match honour after the final, adding individual recognition to the team’s historic achievement.

The Flamingos’ victory makes Nigeria the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The title was secured in Morocco, where the Nigerian side completed a campaign that began with defeat but ended with the country lifting its maiden trophy in the competition.

Umejiaku’s awards and contribution in the final underline her influence on the campaign, while her comments have drawn attention to the coaching staff’s part in guiding the squad through the tournament’s demanding stages.