Oluebube Umejiaku Claims Golden Ball at U-17 World Cup

Oluebube Umejiaku has been awarded the adidas Golden Ball as the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, following her outstanding performance that led Nigeria to a historic victory over Japan. The final match took place on November 6, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco, where Nigeria triumphed with a score of 2-1.

Umejiaku scored Nigeria's second goal in the final, bringing her total goals in the tournament to four. This victory marked Nigeria as the first African nation to win the U-17 Women’s World Cup.

In the best player category, DPR Korea's Yu Jong-hyang secured the Silver Ball, while Japan's Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.