U-17 WWC: Umejiaku Wins Golden Ball As FIFA Announces Full List Of Award Winners

Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after helping the Flamingos win their maiden title in Morocco.

Umejiaku received the prestigious adidas Golden Ball award following her outstanding performances throughout the competition, which ended on Saturday, November 7, with Nigeria defeating Japan 2-1 in the final in Rabat.

The Nigerian forward scored the decisive second goal in the final, taking her tournament tally to four goals and capping an impressive campaign with the individual honour.

She also played a crucial role in Nigeria’s historic run, contributing to goals in all seven of the team’s matches.

DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang won the Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.

Despite the United States’ quarter-final elimination, forward Maddie DiMaria emerged as the tournament’s highest goalscorer, claiming the adidas Golden Boot with an impressive 12 goals.

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DiMaria scored six goals against Samoa, four against Kenya and one each against China PR and Spain.

Yu Jong-hyang received the Silver Boot, while her DPR Korea teammate Ri Ui-gyong claimed the Bronze Boot.

DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was named winner of the adidas Golden Glove after helping her country secure third place in the tournament.

Japan, despite losing the final to Nigeria, received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.

The full list of award winners is 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)
• FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan

Nigeria’s triumph marked a historic milestone as the Flamingos became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The team also became the first African women’s side to win a FIFA World Cup title at any level, following their remarkable 2-1 victory over Japan.

Awawu Bashiru opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 39th minute before Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes into the second half. Fuki Ito pulled one back for Japan in the 80th minute, but Nigeria held on to secure the historic victory.