The Nigeria Football Federation has begun discussions with the United Nations Children’s Fund that are expected to culminate in a Memorandum of Understanding focused on a broad set of campaigns designed to improve conditions for the girl-child.
Talks started at the NFF Secretariat after the federation welcomed a UNICEF team led by Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnership Lone Hvass. General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi met the visitors as both sides explored practical ways to cooperate for the benefit of girls and children, including efforts linked to polio eradication and actions aimed at discouraging child molestation.
Quick facts
- The Nigeria Football Federation and UNICEF have started talks toward a Memorandum of Understanding.
- The partnership is expected to cover campaigns supporting the girl-child.
- Areas discussed include polio eradication and discouraging child molestation.
- UNICEF plans to involve Super Falcons players to speak out on child health and safety topics.
- NFF leadership says it fully backs efforts to protect children from polio and related diseases.
Hvass explained that the aim is to bring in a small group of Super Falcons players to front messages on polio, help raise public awareness, and highlight other pressing issues affecting children. She said earlier collaborations with Nigerian football ambassadors have produced positive results, adding that sports role models can be especially influential when trusted figures speak directly to families and children.
Dr Sanusi welcomed UNICEF’s goals, describing child development as an area the federation’s current leadership is deeply committed to. He noted that polio has caused serious harm to children across Africa, including in Nigeria, and said any initiative that helps safeguard youngsters from polio and related illnesses will be supported.
He further argued that football can serve as a powerful platform for constructive campaigns, and that the federation will look at different options for public education once the Memorandum of Understanding is in place. Sanusi also indicated that the NFF could widen involvement by drawing on players from its U20 and U17 girls national teams for the “noble campaigns.”
The meeting also featured UNICEF communication specialists Susan Akila, from UNICEF Nigeria, and Samuel Kaalu, from the UNICEF Kano Field Office, along with NFF officials including Dr Ademola Olajire (Director of Media & Communications), Ruth David (Director of Competitions), Rajan Zaka (Director of Finance & Admin), Alizor Chuks (Director of Marketing & Sponsorships), and Enebi Achor (Head of International Competitions).
