Nigeria forward Oluebube Umejiaku won the adidas Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while USA forward Maddie DiMaria claimed the Golden Boot, www.aclsports.com reports.
Umejiaku played a key role in Nigeria’s historic campaign, scoring the decisive second goal in their 2-1 victory over Japan in the final. She was also named Player of the Match.
The forward contributed to a goal in all seven of Nigeria’s matches, finishing the tournament with four goals and two assists. She also won the penalty that secured the Flamingos’ quarter-final victory over Venezuela.
DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang received the adidas Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito claimed the Bronze Ball.
Despite the USA’s quarter-final exit, DiMaria finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with 12 goals to secure the adidas Golden Boot. Her tally included six goals against Samoa, four against Kenya and one each against China PR and Spain.
Yu Jong-hyang also received the Silver Boot, while DPR Korea’s Ri Ui-gyong claimed the Bronze Boot.
DPR Korea secured the bronze medal with a 6-0 victory over Brazil in the third-place match. Their goalkeeper, Kim Son-gyong, received the adidas Golden Glove, while Japan were awarded the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.
Image: ESPN Africa
