According to FIFA.com on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has credited God and her coaches after helping the Flamingos secure their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

The 16-year-old made a decisive contribution in the final, scoring Nigeria’s second goal shortly after half-time. Her finish gave the team a two-goal cushion and proved important as Japan fought back.

Nigeria had taken the lead through Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute. Two minutes into the second half, Esther Stephen supplied a forward pass that Umejiaku brought under control before lifting the ball over Japan goalkeeper Kou Kadowaki.

Japan reduced the deficit in the 80th minute when Fuki Ito found the net. The Flamingos nevertheless protected their advantage until the final whistle, completing a victory that delivered Nigeria’s maiden crown in the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Umejiaku said the achievement left her delighted and grateful, while acknowledging that the contest had tested the Nigerian side.

“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.

She also explained that the players focused on supporting one another rather than forcing their attacking play.

“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,” she added.

Umejiaku’s influence was recognised beyond her goal. She was named Player of the Match and also received the adidas Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s outstanding player.

The individual awards underline the teenager’s importance to Nigeria’s campaign and place her among the leading performers of the competition.

The final result carries significance beyond the team’s achievement. By overcoming Japan, the Flamingos became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, bringing the trophy to the continent for the first time.

For Umejiaku, the triumph combines personal recognition with a landmark success for Nigerian and African football.