Esther Stephen, a 16 year old Lagos State University student, provided the assist for the winning goal in the Flamingos’ 2-1 victory over Japan.

The result made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Stephen is a Diploma 2 student of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education at LASU. She played a crucial role in Nigeria’s victory over Japan in the final of the tournament held in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

The young defender supplied the assist for Oluebube Umejiaku’s winning goal in the 47th minute. She stepped up from defence and threaded the decisive pass to Umejiaku, who lifted the ball over the rushing Japanese goalkeeper.

The victory was sealed by goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Umejiaku shortly after the restart. Japan pulled one back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held firm to complete a historic campaign.

Stephen featured in all seven matches played by the Flamingos at the tournament. She demonstrated consistency and defensive resilience throughout the competition.

She operates primarily as a right full back for the national team. She hails from Benue State. At club level, she plays for Unification Female Team, Lagos, where she features as a central defender and captains the side.

The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Professor Ayodeji Olawunmi Badejo, has congratulated Stephen on her contribution to the triumph. She described the achievement as a moment of immense pride for the university, Lagos State and Nigeria.