16 Years Old LASU Student Helps Nigeria Make Football History

(Esther Stephen. Photo Credit: Punch News)
LASU student, Esther Stephen, at just 16 years old she helped Nigeria football make History.

Her long pass set up the winning goal in the Flamingos' 2 - 1 victory over Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The final was played in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7 2026.

Oluebube Umejiaku scored the winner in the 47th minute after Stephen's pass.

Awawu Bashiru had given Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute.

The win makes Nigeria the first African country to lift the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Stephen, a Diploma 2 student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, played in all seven of Nigeria's matches at the tournament.

She mainly played at right back for the national team, but she plays as a central defender for her club, Unification Female Team in Lagos, where she is captain.

LASU Vice Chancellor Prof. Ayodeji Badejo congratulated her and the squad.

In a statement on Thursday, he said her discipline, versatility and commitment make her a source of pride for the university, Lagos State and Nigeria.

He also thanked her coaches and lecturers and said the university will keep backing young talent.

Stephen has won before.

She was part of the LASU women's team that beat the University of Lagos to win gold at the 2024 All Africa University Games.

That result earned them a place to represent Africa at the 2025 World University Games in China.

The Flamingos' success has also brought national recognition.

President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate have announced a N100 million reward for the team.