FIFA World Cup

Olubiobi Umejiaku wins Golden Ball at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Kora W Goal editorial team8 November 2026 at 14:181 Minute

Photo accompanying the source article about Umejiaku winning the Golden Ball after leading the Flamingos to a historic World Cup triumph

Nigeria’s 16-year-old Olubiobi Umejiaku won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, after playing a key role in her country’s title triumph.

The Heartland Queens forward scored four goals at the tournament, including the winner in Saturday’s final, in which Nigeria beat Japan 2-1. The Nigerian team became the first team to win the title, while Nigeria became the first African country to win the tournament.

North Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang won the Silver Ball, and Japan’s Fuki Ito took the Bronze Ball. American Maddy DeMaria won the Golden Boot after topping the scoring charts with 12 goals, North Korea’s Kim Son Gyong received the Golden Glove, and Japan won the Fair Play award.