U17 WWC: Umejiaku Credits Coaches, Teammates After Winning MVP Award
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria striker Oluebube Umejiaku has expressed delight after being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, crediting the team’s coaches and collective determination for her impressive performance at the tournament.
The Flamingos forward scored three goals, made two assists in five appearances in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Umejiaku said the award was a source of happiness and gratitude, while acknowledging the challenges the Nigerian team faced throughout the competition.
“I feel good. I feel very happy. I thank God for everything. It was difficult for us, but the instructions of the coaches made us put our heads up and just take everything as it comes,” she said.
The forward explained that the team’s ability to remain composed and encourage one another on the pitch was crucial to their success, rather than putting themselves under unnecessary pressure to score goals.
“We didn’t have to push for the goals, just to keep ourselves up and we needed to encourage ourselves on the field of play,” Umejiaku added.
Umejiaku recognition as the tournament’s MVP capped an impressive campaign for the Flamingos, who emerged champions after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to claim Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The forward individual honour further highlighted her contribution to Nigeria’s historic triumph, as the Flamingos combined teamwork, resilience and determination to conquer the world.
