Former Nigeria international Ayisat Yusuf has revealed that the 10th edition of the SheFootball program will be a landmark event, designed to empower the girl child through football, education and mentorship.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Yusuf disclosed that the 2026 SheFootball event will feature top professional personalities from within and outside football, who will mentor and educate young girls on how to build successful careers using football as a platform.
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The SheFootball initiative, organised annually by the Ayisat Yusuf Foundation, has grown into a grassroots movement for female football development. The upcoming edition will see several girls empowered through football, with all participating teams receiving official club jerseys, alongside structured mentorship programmes.
The 10th edition is scheduled to hold on January 3, 2026, at Anglican Primary School, Ilado, Badagry. Activities will begin with a seminar by 8:00am before competitive matches kick off at 9:00am.
Reflecting on previous editions, Yusuf noted that SheFootball has consistently provided hope and opportunity for young girls aspiring to pursue careers in football. Through the foundation, football boots and other essential equipment are distributed to aid player development from the grassroots to the professional level.
The former Super Falcons star explained that her motivation is deeply personal, having experienced a lack of structured support during her own playing days.
“I derive joy creating a platform for the girl child to thrive because this is not what I experienced while growing up the ladder during my professional career,” she said.
The FIFPRO Merit Award winner also revealed ambitious plans beyond the January event, announcing a major summer program in 2026 that will attract top European football agents to Nigeria.
“I’m glad to give these young girls a platform to showcase themselves where they get the chance to be mentored by top professionals from different fields,” Yusuf said. “This gives them an edge on what to expect when they climb up the ladder in their career.
“We will be introducing other benefits for the girls as we celebrate our tenth anniversary. We are also planning a bigger event in the summer where top European football agents will be in Nigeria courtesy of the Ayisat Yusuf Foundation to select the best talents. There are many benefits coming in the summer, but for now, they remain under wraps.”
As SheFootball marks a decade of impact, the Ayisat Yusuf Foundation continues to position the program as a critical pathway for nurturing the next generation of Nigerian female football stars.
