2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup Best Player Award Was My First In Life — Flamingos’ Oluebube Umejiaku

Flamingos forward Oluebube Umejiaku has described her 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball award, following her performance and Nigeria’s triumph at the tournament, as her first in life. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Umejiaku, who said she was excited, noted that she had been praying for such recognition. “I feel very excited, and I give God all the glory because every day, I pray for it.

That was my first award in life. “I am so happy that I got this award, and I give glory to God because it was not easy,” she said. The forward noted that meeting with President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, came to the players as an honour. “It was a great honour because everybody wanted to meet the President.

We were very happy; we wanted to meet the President,” she said. “When we got there, the President was not around; we were happy to meet the First Lady.” Asked what came to mind when the President announced the financial reward, she said, “I was thinking about my mother; normally, I know that I don’t have access to the money.” She, however, said that she would invest in her future with the money.

“By the special grace of God, I will like to see myself play for the Super Falcons and play for international clubs,” the striker said. “I will like to go far in life.” Umejiaku won the adidas Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, after scoring Nigeria’s second goal and helping the Flamingos claim their first title with a 2-1 victory over Japan in the final in Rabat.

Her effort took her tally to four goals in the tournament. DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang was awarded the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito got the Bronze Ball. United States forward Maddie DiMaria received the Golden Boot after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals. Yu Jong-hyang won the Silver Boot, while DPR Korea’s Ri Ui-gyong received the Bronze Boot.

The Golden Glove for the goalkeeper of the tournament went to DPR Korea’s Kim Son-gyong, while Japan received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy. The performance of the Flamingos earned them commendation and a ₦100 million bond from President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. They were also received by the Senate.