Nigeria's Oluebube Umejiaku has won two major individual awards following the Flamingos' historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

The 16-year-old striker was named Player of the Match after Saturday's final against Japan and also received the Golden Ball award, which recognises the best player of the tournament.

Umejiaku played an important role in Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Japan, scoring the team's second goal just two minutes into the second half to give the Flamingos a comfortable advantage.

Awawu Bashiru had given Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Umejiaku extended their advantage after the restart. Japan later pulled one goal back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure the victory.

The result saw the Flamingos win their first-ever U-17 Women's World Cup title, becoming the first African country to lift the trophy.

Umejiaku ended the competition with four goals and two assists, according to FIFA and reports from the individual awards ceremony.

Her performance throughout the tournament was particularly impressive because she started the competition as a substitute before gradually establishing herself as one of Nigeria's most important players.

The Golden Ball award is another major achievement for the young forward and confirms her growing reputation as one of the exciting talents in women's football.

Although Nigeria's historic success was made possible by the efforts of the entire team, Umejiaku's individual recognition has added another special moment to the Flamingos' celebrations.

Source: https://x.com/ESPNAfrica/status/2119178298622128339?a=yXgv9ZMG9N9VXM_byg0&s=19