2026 U-17 Women's World Cup final: Why Nigeria beat Japan, according to Oluebube Umejiaku

Oluebube Umejiaku credited Nigeria’s composure and self-belief for its 2-1 victory over Japan in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final. The tournament’s Golden Ball winner said the team focused on encouraging one another rather than forcing goals. Umejiaku and Awawu Bashiru scored for Nigeria, while Fuki Ito’s late goal was not enough to spark a Japanese comeback. Nigeria clinched the title in Morocco.