BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has rolled out the drums to celebrate Oluebube Umejiaku, the dazzling Anambra-born midfield maestro who conquered the global stage to emerge as the Most Valuable Player at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Basking in the euphoria of a triumphant homecoming, the Governor hailed the teenage sensation for etching her name, and that of the Light of the Nation state, in gold following a breathtaking tournament run that captivated football fans globally
In the process, Umejiaku clinched the tournament’s coveted Golden Ball after delivering a masterclass performance on Saturday, November 7, 2026, where she orchestrated Nigeria’s Flamingos to a historic 2-1 victory over a resilient Japanese side in a pulsating final showdown.
The talented midfielder, who also scored Nigeria’s decisive second goal, earned the Player of the Match award in the final tie which marked the first time an African women’s national team had won a FIFA World Cup title at any level.
Conveying the congratulatory message through his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the Governor showered glowing accolades upon Umejiaku, hailing the athlete’s breathtaking display at the tournament as an extraordinary triumph and a truly dazzling masterclass in sporting excellence.
Meanwhile, in recognition of her achievement, the Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ASFA), General Chikelue Iloenyosi, travelled to Abuja on November 9 to receive and celebrate the young football star on behalf of the State government.
Iloenyosi praised Governor Soludo’s commitment to sports development and efforts to identify and nurture sporting talents across the state, noting that Umejiaku’s emergence on the global stage underscored the importance of grassroots sports development and sustained investment in young talents.
The Golden Ball winner’s achievement has also been described as a major source of inspiration to aspiring female footballers in Anambra State and the South-East.
From her early football development to becoming the standout player at a global tournament, Umejiaku’s rise represents a significant milestone for women’s football in the state.
Her performance in Morocco has further highlighted Nigeria’s potential in women’s youth football and placed her among the emerging talents attracting attention on the global stage
