According to a report by FIFA.com on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the winner of the adidas Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, capping a campaign that ended with the Flamingos becoming world champions for the first time.

The forward’s recognition followed a decisive contribution to Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final. She scored the goal that restored Nigeria’s two-goal advantage shortly after the interval, finding the net in the 47th minute. Japan later pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure the title.

That strike was Umejiaku’s fourth of the tournament. Her influence had also been recognised earlier in the knockout stages, when she received a Player of the Match award after scoring the opening goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 Round of 16 win against Mexico on October 29. She collected the same match honour for her display in the final.

The Golden Ball is the tournament’s top individual recognition, and Umejiaku’s award makes her Nigeria’s only individual prize winner at this year’s competition, according to FIFA.com. Her performances were central to a team effort that carried the Flamingos through a demanding route to the trophy.

Nigeria advanced past Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil before facing Japan in the final. The victory over the Japanese side secured a landmark achievement: the Flamingos became the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The result gives Nigeria a historic place in the competition for women’s youth football on the continent. The team’s run to the title was built on results against several opponents, culminating in a closely contested final in Morocco.

For Umejiaku, the Golden Ball provides individual recognition alongside the team’s championship success. Her four goals, two Player of the Match awards and decisive contribution in the final made her one of the defining performers of Nigeria’s title-winning campaign.

The Flamingos’ triumph also offers a milestone for Nigerian football, while Umejiaku’s award highlights the individual talent within the squad that delivered the country’s first under-17 women’s world title.