Nigeria’s Umejiaku crowned best player at U-17 Women’s World Cup + Full List
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineNigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after inspiring the Flamingos to their historic first title.
The 16-year-old striker received the adidas Golden Ball award on Saturday, finishing ahead of DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang, who claimed the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito took the Bronze Ball.
Umejiaku scored four goals during Nigeria’s campaign, including the decisive winner in their 2-1 victory over Japan in the final in Rabat.
FIFA described the Heartland Queens FC forward as an “electric forward” and hailed her as the “star of the show” in the final.
The striker started Nigeria’s campaign as a substitute in their opening defeat to Poland but became an important figure from their second match.
She scored in the Flamingos’ impressive 3-1 victory over DPR Korea before continuing her contribution throughout the tournament.
Umejiaku also received multiple Player of the Match awards, including recognition for her performances in the final and round-of-16 encounter.
Her Golden Ball recognition capped a remarkable tournament for Nigeria, who became the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating Japan in Saturday’s final.
DPR Korea also enjoyed an impressive outing in the individual awards, claiming four honours, including the Silver Ball, Silver Boot, Bronze Boot and Golden Glove.
Yu Jong-hyang received the adidas Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito was named the third-best player of the tournament, taking the Bronze Ball.
In the goalscoring category, the United States’ Maddie DiMaria won the adidas Golden Boot, while DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang and Ri Ui-gyong claimed the Silver and Bronze Boots respectively.
DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, receiving the adidas Golden Glove.
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Japan, despite losing the final to Nigeria, received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy in recognition of its conduct during the competition.
The awards highlighted the performances of players and teams throughout the tournament, with Umejiaku claiming the top individual honour as Nigeria celebrated a landmark achievement in African women’s football.
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
adidas Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)
adidas Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
adidas Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito (Japan)
adidas Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria (USA)
adidas Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
adidas Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong (DPR Korea)
adidas Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong (DPR Korea)
FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan
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