Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle was a guest of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Wednesday, as the governor seeks to use sports as a tool for youth engagement and development in the state, The PUNCH reports.
Chelle recently led Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Although the Super Eagles missed out on a fourth AFCON title, the team’s performance drew praise from several quarters. His contract situation, which runs until the end of the year, has also been a subject of discussion.
While Chelle has been linked with other African national teams, including Tunisia, Guinea, Angola and his former employers,M ali, his visit to Zamfara sends as a sign of his willingness to remain with Nigeria. Zamfara is also the home state of Nigeria Football Federation president, Ibrahim Gusau.
“I received Éric Sékou Chelle, the head coach of the Super Eagles. It was a pleasure to converse with such a great sportsperson,” Governor Lawal wrote on his official X account.
“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.”
The upgrade of the Sardauna Memorial Stadium is said to be about 90 per cent complete and is expected to be ready by February.
Meanwhile, several followers of the governor commended the engagement, while urging him to intensify investment in sports infrastructure across the state.
One user, Dokun Ojomo, wrote: “Nice. Happy to hear Governor Dauda Lawal is thinking about sports development and how the youth in Zamfara can benefit from it.”
Another user, Dr Taiwo, said: “Great gesture, but the governor should start by building world-class sporting facilities across Zamfara State. Build mini stadia in all local governments, sporting grounds in secondary schools, and a modern stadium in the state capital to attract youths.”
A third user, Prof, added: “Great to hear about your meeting with Eric Chelle. Sports development in Nigeria is on the rise. I hope you discussed ways to boost local talent and infrastructure. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes.”
Chelle was appointed Super Eagles head coach in January 2025 on an initial two-year contract, which runs until the end of the year.
