Meet the LASU Student Who Helped Nigeria Win the Women's World Cup

Flamingos defender and Lagos State University student, Esther Stephen, has made history at just 16 years old. Her long pass set up the winning goal in Nigeria's 2, 1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Esther, a Diploma 2 student studying Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education at LASU, played a big part in Nigeria’s win over Japan during the tournament in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

She assisted Oluebube Umejiaku’s winning goal in the 47th minute, making Nigeria the first African country to lift the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Umejiaku shortly after the break secured the historic win for the Nigerian team.

Esther played in all seven matches for the Flamingos in the tournament, showing great consistency and defensive skills.

While she mostly played as a right full-back for the national team, she usually plays as a central defender for her club, Unification Female Team, Lagos, where she is also the captain.

Her impressive performance has earned her praise from the Lagos State University community. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ayodeji Badejo, congratulated her and the Flamingos team for their success.

Badejo said on Thursday that Esther’s achievement brings pride to the university, Lagos State, and Nigeria. He noted that her discipline and hard work reflect the university’s aim to support students who excel beyond academics.

The vice-chancellor expressed, “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 shown that our students have the talent, discipline, determination, and competitive spirit to shine on the global stage.”

Badejo also praised Esther’s coaches, lecturers, and university community members for helping her grow.

She assured everyone that her administration would keep finding and supporting talented students, and she looks forward to celebrating the young footballer.

This isn’t Esther’s first big success in university football. She was part of the LASU female football team that beat their rivals, the University of Lagos, to win gold at the 2024 All Africa University Games, hosted by both universities.

That victory also qualified the team to represent Africa at the 2025 World University Games in China.

At her club, the Benue State-born player continues to grow her career with Unification Female Team, where she is the captain.

Esther’s role in Nigeria’s World Cup win comes alongside national recognition for the Flamingos. President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate have announced a N100 million reward for the winning team.