Rasheedat Ajibade Ajibade joins FIFA Player Impact Programme to drive social change

Nigeria’s women football team, the Super Faclcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade is among the selected thirteen football players to participate in the second edition of FIFA Player Impact Programme.

The programme is aimed at driving social change and designed to empower players to use their influence to create positive social change.

Ajibade joins a diverse group of international stars, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas, England forward Michelle Agyemang, Zambia‘s Racheal Kundananji and former India captain Sunil Chhetri, who is the programme’s first male participant.

 Ajibade among 13 players driving social impact

The 13 participants represent different countries and football backgrounds, with each expected to develop an initiative focused on a cause that matters to them.

According to FIFA, education, mental health and equitable access to sport are among the key areas the players are seeking to address through their projects.

The programme provides tailored support from FIFA and an external specialist in sport for social impact, helping participants transform their ideas into practical initiatives.

Although FIFA has not detailed Ajibade’s individual project, her inclusion provides an opportunity for the Nigerian international to contribute to the programme’s wider goal of using football as a platform for positive change.

 Ajibade’s social impact work

Known affectionately as “The Girl with the Blue hair,” Ajibade’s inclusion highlights her ongoing dedication to humanitarian efforts off the field.

Through her own Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation, she has already spearheaded multiple social initiatives in Nigeria.

She set up educational scholarships and football workshops that identify and promote grassroots talent, helping give young people opportunities to succeed
Ajibade implemented ‘The Rash Tech Scholarship’ – a program providing free technical skills training to 60 young people across Nigeria.

Following their historic ‘Mission X’ title win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nation, held in 2025, Ajibade, alongside her Super Falcons teammates launched a grassroots sports development framework that distributes critical training equipment to over 150 local female football teams.

In 2026, through her Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation, she sponsored grassroots coaches to obtain advanced professional certifications through the National Institute for Sports (NIS).

Players begin impact journey in Boston

The FIFA Player Impact Programme is designed to empower players to drive positive change in causes and communities that matter to them.
Education, mental health, and equitable access to sport are among the main causes championed by the footballers taking part.

The second cohort officially began its journey in June, when Ajibade and 10 of the 13 participants gathered in Boston, Massachusetts, for a three-day Impact Accelerator Workshop.

Through group discussions, practical exercises and expert-led sessions, the players explored how their personal experiences and influence could help address social challenges.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to share their stories, exchange ideas and develop a clearer understanding of how to turn their proposed projects into reality.

FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, who met with the participants in Boston, highlighted the responsibility footballers have to create a legacy beyond their achievements on the pitch.

“Today we have a reach that extends far beyond 90 minutes. Through social media and the platforms available to us, we have an incredible opportunity not only to connect with fans, but to influence communities, create opportunities for others and drive meaningful change,” Ellis said.

 December presentation marks next milestone

The next stage of the nine-month programme will take place in December, when participants gather in London, with others joining virtually, to present their projects to their peers.
The presentations will mark another important step in the players’ efforts to translate their ideas into initiatives capable of making a lasting difference in their communities.

The FIFA Player Impact Programme reflects the growing recognition that footballers can influence society beyond their performances on the pitch, using their platforms and personal experiences to inspire opportunities and address important social issues.

The total players list released by FIFA for the second edition are;
Alexia Putellas – Spain
Casey Phair – Korea Republic
Gabi Nunes – Brazil
Hina Sugita – Japan
Jessie Fleming – Canada
Kenza Dali – France
Maria Sanchez – Mexico
Michelle Agyemang – England
Phallon Tullis-Joyce – USA
Racheal Kundananji – Zambia
Rasheedat Ajibade – Nigeria
Rebekah Stott – New Zealand
Sunil Chhetri – India

The programme offers an opportunity to Ajibade to be part of a global group of footballers working towards that shared objective.

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