Lagos State University, LASU, has expressed readiness to receive and celebrate its student-athlete, Esther Stephen, following her contribution to Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo, said she looked forward to receiving and celebrating Stephen, who played a key role in the Flamingos’ 2–1 victory over Japan in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
In a congratulatory statement, Badejo described the defender’s achievement as a moment of immense pride for the university, Lagos State and Nigeria, while commending her dedication, discipline and contribution to the national team’s success.
“I look forward to receiving and celebrating our pride, Esther Stephen,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Stephen, a Diploma 2 student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education at LASU, featured in all seven matches played by the Flamingos during the tournament.
The versatile defender, who primarily operated as a right full-back for Nigeria, also provided the assist for Oluebube Umejiaku’s winning goal in the final against Japan.
The victory, secured through goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Umejiaku in the 47th minute, made the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Badejo also congratulated the entire Flamingos squad, their coaches, technical crew and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on the historic achievement.
She described Stephen’s performance as evidence of LASU’s commitment to developing well-rounded students who excel in academics, sports and other areas of endeavour.
“Esther Stephen has demonstrated that our students possess the talent, discipline, determination, and competitive spirit required to excel on the global stage,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor further assured that her administration would continue to identify, nurture and support promising talents across the university by providing an enabling environment for students to realise their potential in sports, academics, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Stephen, who hails from Benue State, also plays for Unification Female Team, Lagos, where she features as a central defender and captains the side.
Her latest international achievement adds to her previous successes with the LASU female football team, which defeated the University of Lagos, UNILAG, to win gold at the 2024 All Africa University Games, jointly hosted by both institutions.
That victory also earned the LASU team qualification to represent Africa at the 2025 World University Games in China.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the contributions of Stephen’s coaches, lecturers and other members of the university community to her development, describing their guidance and support as important to her sporting and academic journey.
She also hailed the World Cup triumph as a significant achievement for the university, Lagos State and Nigeria, reaffirming LASU’s commitment to nurturing students capable of excelling on the international stage.
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