Oluebube Umejiaku began the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco as a substitute but ended the tournament as Nigeria’s decisive scorer in the final and winner of the Golden Ball award.

The young forward’s rise mirrored Nigeria’s remarkable campaign, as she played a crucial role in the Flamingos’ historic triumph, becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Umejiaku announced herself with a goal off the bench in Nigeria’s opening group match against Poland, although her effort could not prevent a 2-1 defeat.

However, she responded with further goals against DPR Korea and Mexico before scoring again in the final against Japan to help Nigeria secure a 2-1 victory and lift the trophy.

The Flamingos also made history by becoming the first team to lose their opening match and go on to win the competition.

Speaking to FIFA after the final, an emotional Umejiaku expressed gratitude for her opportunity and revealed how she had remained hopeful of making an impact despite initially starting from the bench.

“Every time I went to training and every time I slept, I told God that I'm praying for all the people that are starting. But when I wanted to start, I just told God that it is my time,” she said.

The forward also recalled how the opening defeat to Poland motivated the team to approach every subsequent fixture with greater determination.

“When we lost the first game against Poland, everybody said we needed to wake up because we didn't come here to look at anybody's face and we have to take every game as a final. We don't downgrade anything; we play and we put all our best into every game,” she added.

Umejiaku’s decisive contribution in the final, alongside her impressive performances throughout the tournament, earned her the Player of the Match and Golden Ball awards, capping a remarkable World Cup campaign.