According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria forward Oluebube Umejiaku has won the Golden Ball award as the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The 16-year-old striker received the prestigious individual honour following her outstanding performances for the Flamingos, who made history by winning their first-ever title in the competition.

Umejiaku was one of Nigeria’s most influential players throughout the tournament, contributing goals and assists as the team progressed to the final before defeating Japan 2-1 to become world champions.

The forward also played a decisive role in Saturday’s final against Japan’s Little Nadeshiko at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

After Awawu Bashiru had given Nigeria the lead, Umejiaku doubled the Flamingos’ advantage two minutes into the second half with an important goal that strengthened their position in the encounter.

Japan later reduced the deficit through Fuki Ito with 10 minutes remaining, but the Nigerian youngsters defended their advantage to secure a memorable victory.

Umejiaku’s contribution to the final earned her the Player of the Match award, making her the fifth Flamingos player to receive the recognition during the competition.

Her achievement further demonstrated the depth of talent within the Nigerian squad, which enjoyed contributions from several players on its way to lifting the trophy.

The Golden Ball award was a fitting recognition of the striker’s consistency and attacking influence throughout the tournament.

She finished the competition with four goals and two assists in seven appearances, recording impressive numbers as Nigeria progressed from the group stage to the knockout rounds and eventually the final.

The youngster's performances were particularly important in helping the Flamingos recover from their opening-match defeat and build the momentum required to challenge for the championship.

Her ability to contribute to the team's attacking play while delivering decisive moments in important matches made her one of the standout performers of the tournament.

Umejiaku's Golden Ball success also added another memorable achievement to Nigeria's historic campaign in Morocco.

With the Flamingos securing their maiden FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title and their young striker emerging as the tournament's best player, Nigeria had plenty of reasons to celebrate after Saturday's final.