Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after receiving the adidas Golden Ball award following the Flamingos’ historic triumph in Morocco.
The Nigerian forward capped an outstanding tournament with a match-winning performance in Saturday’s final, scoring the decisive goal as Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 to lift their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Umejiaku finished the competition with four goals, including the crucial strike against Japan, earning recognition as the tournament’s outstanding player.
Her Golden Ball award adds an individual honour to Nigeria’s historic achievement, further underlining the team’s impressive campaign under head coach Akeem Busari.
DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang claimed the adidas Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball.
Despite the United States’ quarter-final exit, Maddie DiMaria emerged as the tournament’s leading scorer, winning the adidas Golden Boot with a record-breaking 12 goals.
DiMaria produced an extraordinary scoring performance, netting six times against Samoa, four against Kenya, and once each against China PR and Spain.
Yu Jong-hyang collected the Silver Boot, while her DPR Korea teammate Ri Ui-gyong received the Bronze Boot.
DPR Korea also secured the adidas Golden Glove award through goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong, whose performances helped her country finish third in the tournament.
Japan, despite losing the final to Nigeria, received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy in recognition of their sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Full List of 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Award Winners
- Golden Ball (Best Player): Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)
- Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
- Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito (Japan)
- Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Maddie DiMaria (USA) – 12 goals
- Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
- Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong (DPR Korea)
- Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Kim Son-gyong (DPR Korea)
- FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Japan
Umejiaku’s recognition completes a memorable tournament for Nigeria, whose Flamingos have returned home as world champions, with the Golden Ball winner leading the celebrations after a historic victory over Japan.
