Nigeria’s Flamingos forward Oluebube Umejiaku has become the first African player to win the Golden Ball award at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

FIFA announced the 16-year-old as the winner of the prestigious individual honour following Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, where Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 to claim their maiden title.

Umejiaku’s achievement also places her alongside Vicky López, the Spain international of Nigerian descent who won the Golden Ball in 2022.

The Nigerian forward played a decisive role in the Flamingos’ historic triumph, scoring the winning goal in the 47th minute to help her country overcome Japan in the final.

She finished the tournament with four goals, having also found the net against Poland, DPR Korea and Mexico during Nigeria’s campaign.

DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang and Japan’s Fuki Ito finished as the second and third-best players, receiving the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball awards respectively.

Meanwhile, the Golden Boot was awarded to Maddie DiMaria of the United States, while DPR Korea goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong claimed the Golden Gloves.

Japan received the Fair Play Trophy following their campaign at the tournament.