Get Guardian on GoogleThe Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo has congratulated Esther Stephen, a student-athlete in the school on her outstanding contribution to Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing her achievement as a moment of immense pride for the University, Lagos State and Nigeria.
The Vice chancellor also extended her congratulations to the entire Flamingos squad, their coaches, technical crew and the Nigeria Football Federation for the historic feat, which saw Nigeria defeat Japan 2–1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, 7 November 2026, to emerge champions.
Goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 47th minute secured the historic victory, making the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Professor Badejo particularly applauded Stephen for her outstanding performance throughout the tournament, noting that her dedication, discipline, versatility and impressive contribution to the team’s success exemplify the university’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who excel both academically and in extracurricular pursuits.
Expressing her excitement over the achievement, the vice chancellor said: “I am immensely delighted and proud that a student of Lagos State University has played such a significant role in bringing this historic honour to Nigeria and the African continent. Esther Stephen has demonstrated that our students possess the talent, discipline, determination and competitive spirit required to excel on the global stage.
“This remarkable achievement reinforces our belief that LASU is a breeding ground for excellence and a rendezvous for champions. While we remain committed to academic excellence, we also recognise and encourage the immense potential of our students in sports and other areas of human endeavour.
“I warmly congratulate Esther, her coaches, lecturers and everyone who has contributed to her development and success. I look forward to receiving and celebrating our pride, Esther Stephen.”
The Vice chancellor assured that her administration would continue to identify, nurture and support promising talents across the university, providing opportunities and an enabling environment for students to realise their potential in academics, sports, innovation, entrepreneurship and other fields.
Stephen, who hails from Benue State, is a diploma student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education at Lagos State University. She featured in all seven matches played by the Flamingos during the tournament, demonstrating remarkable consistency and defensive resilience.
A versatile defender who operated primarily as a right full-back for the national team, Esther also provided the assist for Oluebube Umejiaku’s winning goal in the final against Japan.
At club level, she plays for Unification Female Team, Lagos, where she features as a central defender and captains the side.
Her latest international accomplishment adds to an impressive record of sporting achievements. She was a key member of the LASU female football team that defeated its arch-rivals, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), to win the gold medal at the 2024 All Africa University Games, jointly hosted by LASU and UNILAG. The victory also secured the team’s qualification to represent Africa at the 2025 World University Games in China.
