Nigeria, DPR Korea And USA Stars Named At FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Individual Awards
By BSN Sports
Nigeria’s Oluebube Umejiaku has been named the best player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco after emerging winner of the prestigious adidas Golden Ball award, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Umejiaku’s outstanding performances throughout the competition earned her the tournament’s highest individual honour, putting Nigeria firmly in the spotlight among the world’s emerging female football talents.
The Nigerian youngster was among the standout performers at the tournament, finishing with four goals to underline her importance to the team’s campaign.
DPR Korea’s Yu Jong-hyang claimed the adidas Silver Ball, while Japan’s Fuki Ito received the Bronze Ball, completing the tournament’s top three individual player honours.
In the goalscoring category, United States forward Maddie DiMaria emerged as the adidas Golden Boot winner after scoring 12 goals, an impressive achievement that made her the competition’s leading scorer.
Yu Jong-hyang also collected the Silver Boot, while DPR Korea teammate Ri Ui-gyong took home the Bronze Boot.
DPR Korea further strengthened its presence among the individual award winners as goalkeeper Kim Son-gyong was named recipient of the adidas Golden Glove for her performances between the posts.
Japan received the FIFA Fair Play Trophy in recognition of its sporting conduct during the competition.
Complete list of individual award winners
-Golden Ball: Oluebube Umejiaku (Nigeria)
– Silver Ball: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
– Bronze Ball: Fuki Ito (Japan)
– Golden Boot: Maddie DiMaria (USA) – 12 goals
– Silver Boot: Yu Jong-hyang (DPR Korea)
– Bronze Boot: Ri Ui-gyong (DPR Korea)
– Golden Glove: Kim Son-gyong (DPR Korea)
– Fair Play Trophy: Japan
Umejiaku’s Golden Ball achievement represents a significant moment for Nigerian women’s football and another indication of the country’s potential to produce outstanding talents capable of competing at the highest level of the women’s game.
Her recognition among the world’s best young players will be celebrated as a major personal milestone and a source of pride for Nigerian football.