Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle paid a courtesy visit to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Wednesday as part of the governor’s initiative to use sports as a platform for youth engagement and development in the state, The PUNCH reports.
Chelle, who guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, received widespread praise for the team’s performance despite missing out on a fourth AFCON title. The French coach’s contract with the Super Eagles runs until the end of this year, and his recent visit signals his commitment to continue his tenure with Nigeria, even as he has been linked with other African national teams, including Tunisia, Guinea, Angola, and his former club Mali. Notably, Zamfara is also the home state of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 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.
The governor added, “We discussed key issues that support Zamfara State’s development and how to engage our youths in active sports across different categories, especially with the upcoming inauguration of our upgraded stadium and sports complex.”
The renovation of the Sardauna Memorial Stadium is reportedly 90 per cent complete and is expected to be ready by February.
Following the meeting, many of Governor Lawal’s followers applauded the initiative while urging more investment in sports infrastructure across Zamfara.
One user, Dokun Ojomo, commented: “Nice. Happy to hear Governor Dauda Lawal is thinking about sports development and how the youth in Zamfara can benefit from it.”
Dr. Taiwo added: “Great gesture, but the governor should start by building world-class sporting facilities across the state—mini stadia in all local governments, sports grounds in secondary schools, and a modern stadium in the state capital to attract youths.”
Another follower, Prof, noted: “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.”
Éric Chelle was appointed head coach of the Super Eagles in January 2025 on an initial two-year contract, set to expire at the end of this year.
