Governor Lawal hosts Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle as Zamfara aim to boost youth sports

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, has hosted the head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, at the Government House in Gusau, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Chelle was the guest of Zamfara's number-one citizen in a visit aimed at strengthening sports development and youth engagement in the state.

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, was disclosed by the governor in a post on his verified X page.

Governor Lawal described the encounter as both pleasant and productive, praising Chelle as a distinguished sportsperson who has contributed to the growth of Nigerian football.

“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,” Gov. 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 in light of the upcoming inauguration of our revamped stadium and sports complex.”

During the visit, the governor also announced that the Sardauna Memorial Stadium in Gusau, which is currently under construction, is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated and put into use. The project is expected to serve as a major hub for sports activities in the state and to help draw more young people into organised sport.

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Eric Chelle’s AFCON success and his future with Nigeria

Eric Chelle is the current head coach of the Super Eagles and was appointed to the role in January 2025 on a two-year contract. The Malian led Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a result that strengthened his standing with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Chelle is currently in discussions with the National Sports Commission and the NFF over a possible contract extension, with Nigeria keen for him to continue despite reported interest from Tunisia, Algeria, Angola and Gabon.

However, it is understood the NFF may want him to spend more time in Nigeria, as he is based in France with his family.

NFF Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has previously expressed disappointment that no NPFL player made the AFCON squad, and Chelle is likely to be tasked with watching more local games to uncover new talent.

Should he agree to spend more time in the country, he could also play a role in supporting Governor Lawal’s grassroots football plans in Zamfara.