2026 U-17 WWC: Flamingos’ Umejiaku wins Golden Ball award

Nigeria’s Flamingos striker, Oluebube Umejiaku, has been crowned the winner of the Golden Ball award as the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The 16-year-old forward played a crucial role in Nigeria’s historic triumph, helping the Flamingos clinch their first-ever title in the competition.

Umejiaku was on target in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan’s Little Nadeshiko, scoring two minutes into the second half to help secure the win.

Her impressive performance also earned her the Player of the Match award, making her the fifth Flamingos player to receive the honour during the tournament.

The youngster finished the competition with an impressive tally of four goals and two assists, capping a remarkable campaign with the prestigious Golden Ball award.