- Zamfara Gov Meets Super Eagles Coach Over Youth Sports Development
- Talks focused on grassroots development and stadium upgrade
- Chelle’s future with Nigeria under contract review
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, has received the head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, at the Government House in Gusau, in a move aimed at strengthening sports development and youth participation across the state.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, was disclosed by the governor in a post on his verified X account. Governor Lawal said discussions focused on expanding grassroots sports programmes and creating structured opportunities for young people through organised sporting activities.
Describing the engagement as productive and cordial, the governor praised Chelle for his contribution to Nigerian football and his commitment to youth development.
“I received in my office Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle, the head coach of the Super Eagles. It was a pleasure to converse with such a great sportsperson,” Lawal said.
“We discussed key issues that support Zamfara State’s development and how to engage our youths in active sports across different categories, especially as we prepare for the inauguration of our revamped stadium and sports complex.”
Governor Lawal also disclosed that reconstruction work on the Sardauna Memorial Stadium in Gusau is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated. He said the upgraded facility is expected to serve as a major centre for sporting activities in the state, with emphasis on talent development, competitions and community engagement.
Eric Chelle, a Malian national, was appointed Super Eagles head coach in January 2025 on a two year contract. He led Nigeria to a third place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a result that boosted his standing with the Nigeria Football Federation.
Reports indicate that Chelle is currently in talks with the National Sports Commission and the NFF over a possible contract extension, as interest in his services has emerged from several African countries, including Tunisia, Algeria, Angola and Gabon.
However, concerns remain within the NFF over Chelle’s limited physical presence in Nigeria, as he is based in France. Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has previously raised issues about the absence of Nigeria Professional Football League players in the AFCON squad, urging closer monitoring of domestic competitions.
