UNICEF Harnesses Football Tournament To Tackle Vaccine Hesitancy, Expand Coverage
…Mobilises Men To Kick Out Polio
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria has strategically deployed the universal appeal of football as a weapon to combat vaccine hesitancy, expand coverage and end polio by unveiling a football tournament.
The new UNICEF move which combines public health advocacy with sport goes beyond simple amusement to educate communities, encourage male participation, and inspire collective action against polio and vaccination reluctance.
Tagged ‘ Vaccinate Your Superstar to Win’ Football Tournament the initiative with the theme, ‘Kick Away Zero Dozen and Polio- One Goal at a time,’ the tournament which started about three months ago came to a climax with the grand finale held Friday, September, 19,2025 at the Nitel Play Ground, Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos
Men As Health Champions: A Strategic Shift
Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Specialist, delivered a strong speech at the event, noting the fight against polio cannot be won without the active involvement of men. “Men are decision makers in their homes and communities. Their influence must extend beyond providing basic necessities to becoming the fiercest protectors of their children’s health,” she declared.
Akinola-Akinwole emphasised that while women have traditionally led the charge in child vaccination, male involvement dramatically boosts uptake and access. “When men support immunisation, we see a double leap in results,” she stated. The tournament was designed as a strategic platform to galvanise male support for routine immunisation, aiming to achieve ‘Zero-Dozen cases and Polio-One Goal at a Time,’ and curb the spread of cumulative viruses.
UNICEF’s campaign is not just symbolic – it is tactical. With over 300 male players already transformed into vocal champions of immunisation, the organisation expects to recruit more than 5,000 men to serve as advocates across communities. “As they use their legs to play, they must also use their voices to champion the cause,” Akinola-Akinwole urged, calling on men to extend their decision-making power to Primary Health Centres and ensure no child is left behind.
She also issued a stern warning against myths and superstitions that hinder vaccination efforts, urging families to embrace science and protect their children’s future.
Government Endorsement: A Collective Stand For Public Health
Mobolaji Ogunlede, Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, lauded UNICEF’s initiative, asserting that it would awaken youth consciousness around immunisation. “Under my watch, this ministry will continue to champion the immunisation campaign. Healthy children are our collective responsibility,” he affirmed.
Collaborating, Dr Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, hailed the tournament as a ‘welcome development’ that has successfully penetrated grassroots communities and reshaped male perceptions around child health.
Dr Mustafa revealed that the state, in collaboration with foreign partners including UNICEF, has achieved significant improvements in immunisation coverage. “We are leveraging data for better health outcomes, and we will not relent,” he said.
Measles Rubella Vaccine: A New Chapter In Child Health
In a major announcement, Dr Mustafa disclosed that Lagos State will introduce the Measles Rubella vaccine for children in January 2026. He expressed pride in the state’s immunisation achievements this year and pledged continued efforts to ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines.
The tournament’s climax saw Vinox FC edge out Great Olympics in a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The champions walked away with a giant trophy and ₦500,000, while the runners-up received ₦300,000. Third and fourth place teams earned ₦250,000 and ₦150,000 respectively.
Played across various zones in Lagos State, the tournament featured over 20 matches and produced 60 goals – each one a metaphorical strike against polio and vaccine apathy.
UNICEF Nigeria’s bold initiative proves that sport is not just a game – it is a weapon for change. By mobilising men as health champions and embedding immunisation advocacy into the heart of community life, the organisation has set a precedent for how public health campaigns can be both impactful and inclusive. The message is clear: the fight against polio is not over, and every goal scored is a step closer to a healthier, polio-free Nigeria.
