The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ayodeji Badejo, has congratulated the university’s student-athlete, Esther Stephen, on her contribution to Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Badejo, in a statement on Thursday, described Stephen’s achievement as a moment of immense pride for the university, Lagos State and Nigeria.
The vice-chancellor also congratulated the Flamingos squad, their coaches, technical crew and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the historic feat.
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Nigeria defeated Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, on Nov. 7, to emerge champions.
The victory made the Flamingos the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Badejo commended Stephen for her dedication, discipline, versatility and outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
She said that the defender’s contribution reflected the university’s commitment to nurturing students who excel in academics and extracurricular activities.
“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,” she said.
Badejo said the achievement reinforced LASU’s commitment to excellence and its capacity to nurture champions across different fields.
She assured that her administration would continue to identify, nurture and support promising talents in sports, academics, innovation and entrepreneurship.
She also commended Stephen’s coaches, lecturers and other members of the university community for their contributions to her development.
Stephen, a diploma student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education at LASU, featured in all seven matches played by Nigeria at the tournament.
The Benue-born defender, who primarily played as a right full-back, also provided the assist for Oluebube Umejiaku’s winning goal against Japan.
At club level, Stephen plays for Unification Female Team, Lagos, where she features as a central defender and captains the side.
She was also a member of the LASU female football team that won gold at the 2024 All Africa University Games.
The competition was jointly hosted by LASU and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The victory secured the team’s qualification to represent Africa at the 2025 World University Games in China.
Badejo said the university looked forward to receiving and celebrating Stephen for bringing honour to the institution.
The vice-chancellor reiterated LASU’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for students to realise their potential and contribute to national development.
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