LASU VC Hails Esther Stephen After Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Triumph
University Celebrates Defender’s Assist In Nigeria’s 2-1 Victory Over Japan As VC Promises To Continue Supporting Sporting Talent
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo, has congratulated student-athlete Esther Stephen following her contribution to Nigeria’s historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
Stephen, a 16-year-old Diploma II student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education at LASU, provided the assist for Oluebube Umejiaku’s winning goal as the Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Rabat.
The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with Awawu Bashiru and Umejiaku scoring the goals that secured the historic title.
Professor Badejo also congratulated the entire Flamingos squad, their coaches, technical crew and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), describing Stephen’s achievement as a source of immense pride for the university, Lagos State and Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor particularly praised the defender’s dedication, discipline, versatility and consistency, noting that she featured in all seven matches played by Nigeria during the tournament.
‘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,’ Badejo said.
‘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.’
Badejo added that her administration would continue to identify, nurture and support promising talents across the university, providing opportunities for students to excel in academics, sports, innovation and other fields.
She also expressed her desire to receive and celebrate Stephen at the university.
Stephen, who hails from Benue State, operates primarily as a right full-back for the national team but plays as a central defender and captains Unification Female Team of Lagos at club level.
The university community, through LASU Life, also celebrated Stephen’s contribution, describing her as a source of pride for the institution.
Nigeria’s historic triumph has attracted national recognition, with President Bola Tinubu announcing a ₦100 million reward for each Flamingos player, alongside other incentives announced by the Nigerian Senate.
