2026 U-17 WWC: Umejiaku celebrates Flamingos’ historic success, credits coaches

Player of the Tournament Oluebube Umejiaku has expressed her delight following Nigeria’s historic triumph over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, DAILY POST reports.

The Flamingos made history by winning their first-ever title in the competition after securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Japan’s Little Nadeshiko.

Nigeria also became the first team in the tournament’s history to recover from an opening-match defeat and go on to lift the trophy.

Umejiaku, who was named Player of the Match in the final, scored Nigeria’s second goal after Awawu Bashiru had put the team ahead before the break.

Reflecting on the victory, the forward expressed happiness with the team’s performance and credited the technical crew’s instructions for helping the players overcome the challenge.

“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 told FIFA.

Umejiaku capped an impressive tournament by winning the Golden Ball award after recording four goals and two assists in seven appearances.