By Blessing Elo Oghene
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has described Oluebube Umejiaku, a member of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, as a new star of the state’s sporting glory following her outstanding performance at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final on November 7, 2026, to emerge champions, with Umejiaku scoring the decisive second goal.
Reacting to the victory in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo said the achievement represented a historic moment for Nigeria, Anambra State and Africa.
“For Anambra State, for Nigeria, and indeed for the whole of Africa, another moment of sporting greatness to be proud of unravelled under the floodlights of Rabat, Morocco, on the evening of November 7, 2026,” he said.
The governor described Umejiaku as a young talent whose performance had brought international recognition to Anambra, adding that her contribution went beyond simply participating in the final.
“At the heart of it all stood a young girl from Anambra with the ball at her feet and destiny in her stride. Her name is Oluebube Umejiaku. And the world now knows it,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Soludo noted that Nigeria’s victory marked a historic milestone, as the Flamingos became the first African women’s national team to win a FIFA World Cup title at any age level.
He said Umejiaku played a defining role in the triumph, scoring the winning goal and earning the Player of the Match award in the final, as well as the tournament’s Golden Ball as its best player.
The governor praised the midfielder for displaying maturity, skill and consistency throughout the competition, describing her journey as an inspiration to young girls across Anambra State and the South-East.
According to him, Umejiaku’s success demonstrates that young talents from the region can reach the highest levels of international football when given the right support and opportunities.
The statement also disclosed that her homecoming was marked by a reception on November 9, when the Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, General Chikelue Iloenyosi, travelled to Abuja to welcome and celebrate the young champion on behalf of the state government.
At the occasion, Iloenyosi reportedly commended Soludo for his commitment to sports development and his efforts to identify and nurture sporting talents across the state.
Soludo said the achievement reinforced the importance of sustained investment in grassroots sports development, noting that champions emerge when talent is discovered, encouraged and properly supported.
He added that his administration would continue to strengthen structures that identify and promote young athletes, describing Umejiaku’s success as evidence of the benefits of investing in young people.
The governor concluded that Umejiaku’s achievement had brought pride to Anambra and Africa, while serving as encouragement to other aspiring footballers to pursue their dreams.
