As part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the Aisha Falode Girls Play Forward initiative is once again reinforcing its commitment to empowering young girls through football, mentorship, and personal development.
The initiative, founded by respected sports administrator and women’s football advocate Aisha Falode, has continued to grow into a strong platform dedicated to inspiring confidence, leadership, and opportunity among girls using the power of sport.
Aisha Falode, who currently serves as a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board, Head of the NFF Women Football Committee, and member of the FIFA Media Committee, has remained one of the leading voices for the advancement of women’s football and girl-child development in Nigeria and Africa.
With the theme “Girls Play Forward” The initiative is centered around Football, Fun and Friendship, the Children’s Day event is expected to bring together young girls in an atmosphere designed not only for recreation, but also for learning, bonding, and inspiration.
According to organisers, the Girls Play Forward initiative was created to ensure that young girls are given a platform where they can freely express themselves, build self-esteem, and develop life skills that extend far beyond the football pitch.
“At the heart of this initiative is the belief that every girl deserves the opportunity to dream, play, and be seen,” the organisers stated.
Through football sessions, interactive activities, mentorship opportunities, and team-building exercises, participants are exposed to important values such as discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and courage.
Beyond the excitement of the games, the initiative also seeks to challenge societal barriers that often limit opportunities for girls in sports and leadership spaces. By creating safe and encouraging environments, Girls Play Forward is helping young girls discover their voices and believe in their abilities.
For Aisha Falode, whose contributions to sports broadcasting and women’s football development have earned widespread recognition over the years, the initiative represents a personal commitment to nurturing the next generation of female leaders and changemakers.
The programme continues to attract praise for its focus on using football as a tool for social impact, inclusion, and empowerment, while also promoting friendship and unity among children.
As preparations continue for the Children’s Day celebration, excitement is already building among participants and supporters, many of whom see the initiative as a powerful reminder that sports can inspire hope, transform lives, and open doors to brighter futures.
For the young girls expected to participate, the event will be more than just a day of football, it will be a celebration of dreams, confidence, friendship, and possibility.
