LASU Vice-Chancellor Congratulates Esther Stephen, Flamingos’ Star Defender, on Historic U-17 World Cup Victory
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo, FCASSON, FAPROCON, MNAE, has congratulated the University’s student-athlete, Esther Stephen, on her outstanding contribution to Nigeria’s Flamingos’ historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, describing the 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 (NFF) 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 victory, making the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Professor Badejo particularly applauded Esther 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 stated:
“I am immensely delighted and proud that a student of Lagos State University 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 further 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.
Esther Stephen, who hails from Benue State, is a Diploma 2 student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education (HKSHE) 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.
The Vice-Chancellor’s commendation also recognises the invaluable contributions of Esther’s coaches, lecturers, and other members of the University community whose guidance, mentorship, and support have helped shape her sporting and academic journey.
The historic victory is not only a personal milestone for Esther Stephen but also a significant achievement for Lagos State University, Lagos State, and the nation. It further demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian youths to excel, inspire, and make meaningful contributions to national development and international sporting excellence.
Congratulations to Esther Stephen, the pride of LASU; her coaches and lecturers; the entire Flamingos team and technical crew; and all Nigerians on this historic achievement.
