Adegbuyi named Player of the Tournament after Nigeria’s WAFU-B U-17 triumph

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi has been named the best player at the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup after helping Nigeria win the competition with a 4-0 victory over Togo in Sunday’s final.

The Nigerian number 14 scored four goals during the tournament and also provided assists as the Flamingos won all five of their matches. Nigeria completed an unbeaten campaign with 17 goals scored and only two conceded.

Adegbuyi added to her tally in the final, scoring in the 90th minute to seal the comprehensive victory over Togo. Captain Chidera Harmony had earlier converted two penalties before Oluebube Umejiaku scored Nigeria’s third goal.

The individual award is the latest honour in Adegbuyi’s rapidly developing career in Nigerian women’s football. She was previously named Player of the Tournament at the WAFU-B CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, where her performances helped Edo Queens win the regional title and secure qualification for the continental competition.

Adegbuyi also received the 2025/26 Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership Player of the Season award while playing for FC Robo Queens.

Her recognition in the U-17 competition further highlights her impact at both domestic and regional level.

Nigeria’s route to the title included victories over Niger Republic, Ghana, Burkina Faso, hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Togo. The final success gave the Flamingos five wins from five matches and brought their preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco to a strong conclusion.

There was also an individual award for Nigeria goalkeeper Onyinyechi Opara, who was named Best Goalkeeper after registering four clean sheets in five appearances.

The Flamingos will now prepare for the global tournament, which will be held in Morocco from 17 October to 7 November 2026.

Nigeria have been placed in Group B with North Korea, Poland and Puerto Rico. Their opening fixture is against Poland on 17 October.

Adegbuyi’s latest honour represents another major landmark in a promising career, while Nigeria’s perfect record at the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup has given the team confidence ahead of their next major challenge.