Oluebube Umejiaku of Nigeria was named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup, taking home the adidas Golden Ball after her team’s 2‑1 triumph over Japan in the final held in Rabat, Morocco.
The forward netted Nigeria’s second goal in the match, bringing her tournament tally to four goals and cementing her status as the competition’s standout performer.
The victory marked the Flamingos’ first U‑17 Women’s World Cup title, a historic achievement for Nigerian football.
Individual awards were distributed as follows:
- Golden Ball – Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)
- Silver Ball – Yu Jong‑hyang (DPR Korea)
- Bronze Ball – Fuki Ito (Japan)
- Golden Boot – Maddie DiMaria (United States, 12 goals)
- Silver Boot – Yu Jong‑hyang (DPR Korea)
- Bronze Boot – Ri Ui‑gyong (DPR Korea)
- Golden Glove – Kim Son‑gyong (DPR Korea)
- Fair Play Trophy – Japan
DPR Korea also secured the Golden Glove for goalkeeper Kim Son‑gyong, while Japan earned the FIFA Fair Play Trophy for their conduct throughout the tournament.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
