First-order least-squares method of a distributed optimal control problem for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations is considered. An optimality system for the optimal solution are reformulated to the equivalent first-order system by introducing velocity-flux variables and then the least-squares functional corresponding to the system is defined in terms of the sum of the squared $L^2$ norm of the residual equations of the system. The optimal error estimates for least-squares finite element approximations are obtained.