LASU HAILS FLAMINGOS HERO ESTHER STEPHEN, SET TO HONOUR WORLD CUP CHAMPION

VC celebrates defender’s historic role as Nigeria conquers Japan; reveals pride in university’s contribution to global triumph

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ayodeji Badejo, has congratulated the institution’s student-athlete, Esther Stephen, following her remarkable contribution to Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

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Badejo described the achievement as a moment of immense pride for LASU, Lagos State and Nigeria, noting that Esther’s exploits on the international stage had further demonstrated the university’s commitment to nurturing talents beyond the classroom.

Nigeria’s Flamingos made history on Saturday, November 7, 2026, when they defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, to become the first African nation to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 47th minute secured the historic victory for the Nigerian side.

Particularly impressed by Esther’s performance throughout the tournament, the Vice-Chancellor praised her discipline, versatility, consistency and defensive brilliance, describing her as a worthy ambassador of the university.

“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,” Badejo said.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the triumph reinforced LASU’s reputation as an institution committed to producing outstanding individuals in academics, sports and other fields of human endeavour.

“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,” she added.

Badejo also congratulated Esther’s coaches, lecturers and everyone who contributed to her development, expressing her eagerness to receive and celebrate the returning world champion.

Esther, who hails from Benue State, is a diploma student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education at LASU. She featured in all seven matches played by Nigeria at the competition, establishing herself as one of the dependable members of the championship-winning squad.

Primarily deployed as a right full-back, the versatile defender delivered another impressive performance in the final against Japan, providing the assist for Umejiaku’s decisive winning goal.

Beyond her international exploits, Esther has also distinguished herself at club and university levels.

She plays for the Unification Female Team, Lagos, where she operates as a central defender and captains the side.

Her latest achievement is another addition to an impressive sporting résumé, having previously helped the LASU female football team defeat arch-rivals, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), to win gold at the 2024 All Africa University Games, jointly hosted by both institutions.

That victory earned LASU qualification to represent Africa at the 2025 World University Games in China.

Esther’s World Cup success has further spotlighted the growing contribution of LASU to sports development and the emergence of Nigerian athletes capable of competing at the highest international level.

For the university, her achievement represents more than a football triumph; it is a testament to the rewards of identifying, nurturing and providing opportunities for young talents to realise their potential.

With Nigeria celebrating its historic continental breakthrough, LASU now has another reason to celebrate as one of its own returns home as a world champion.