Anambra State has honoured one of its finest sporting talents, Oluebube Umejiaku, with a special homecoming following her historic success with Nigeria’s Flamingos at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup..
Umejiaku was at the heart of Nigeria’s triumph at the global tournament, where she not only helped the Flamingos lift the trophy but also won the adidas Golden Ball as the best player of the competition.
The Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, led the reception party in Abuja to welcome the young star home.
Chief Iloenyosi was in Abuja on the directive of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, to receive Umejiaku on behalf of the state government and the football family in Anambra.
Speaking during the reception, Iloenyosi thanked the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his sustained investment in sports development and for creating an environment where talents like Umejiaku can be discovered, nurtured and celebrated.
He also commended Mr. Patrick Agha Mba for facilitating the welcome-home gesture, describing it as a fitting honour for a player who carried the Nigerian flag with pride on the world stage.
For Anambra, Umejiaku’s Golden Ball award is more than an individual honour. It is a symbol of the state’s growing reputation for producing world-class talents and a source of inspiration for young girls dreaming of a future in football.
The homecoming, officials say, is part of the state’s commitment to celebrating excellence and encouraging the next generation of athletes to aim higher.
Anambra produces champions. Anambra celebrates champions.
