By Chigozie Chukwuleta
The countdown to the second edition of Aisha Falode Girls Play Forward has officially begun, with just three days left until the event kicks off on May 27, 2026.
Organized by sports administrator and broadcaster Aisha Falode, the initiative returns this Children’s Day to use football as a tool for empowerment, confidence-building, and friendship among young girls.
This year’s edition with the footer ‘PLAY WITH PURPOSE. BUILD FRIENDSHIPS. INSPIRE TOMORROW’ promises a day of football, fun, and friendship, bringing together girls from different backgrounds to play, connect, and be inspired. The event is themed around the message: _“Play with purpose. Build friendships. Inspire tomorrow.”_
The former NWFL Boss launched Girls Play Forward to address the gap in opportunities for girls in sports and to encourage participation at the grassroots level. The program combines football drills, mentorship sessions, and team activities designed to build both athletic skills and self-belief.
The 2026 edition will take place on May 27, coinciding with Nigeria’s Children’s Day celebrations, reinforcing the focus on creating safe, supportive spaces for the girl child to thrive through sports.
Organizers say the goal is to show that when girls are given the platform to play, they gain more than fitness – they gain confidence, leadership skills, and a network of peers who share their ambition.
For updates on the event, follow the official _Aisha Falode Girls Play Forward_ channels.
