In a bid to strengthen sports development across Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal met with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle on January 28, 2026. The meeting, aimed at creating more opportunities for youth through organized sports, also focused on the upcoming inauguration of the newly renovated Sardauna Memorial Stadium and a state-of-the-art sports complex in Gusau.
Date of Meeting: January 28, 2026.
Key Focus: Strengthening grassroots sports and boosting youth participation in athletics.
Facility Update: The Sardauna Memorial Stadium in Gusau is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated to support sporting events.
Chelle’s Role: Eric Chelle, the Malian national who has been coaching the Super Eagles since January 2025, emphasized the importance of developing young talent across the country.
ZAMFARA’S FUTURE IN SPORTS
The meeting was a key part of Governor Dauda Lawal‘s efforts to improve sports infrastructure and engagement in Zamfara State. Chelle, who guided Nigeria to a bronze medal finish at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, praised the governor’s initiative and discussed ways to leverage sports for broader youth empowerment in the region. The revamped stadium will play a central role in future sports events, aiming to nurture local talent and foster community participation.
Governor Lawal described the engagement as “cordial and meaningful,” acknowledging Chelle’s contribution to Nigerian football. The meeting also touched on future plans for developing football in Zamfara, which could lead to the discovery of new stars from the grassroots level.
INVESTING IN SPORTS
The renovation of the Sardauna Memorial Stadium and the construction of new sports facilities signal a major investment in the future of sports in Zamfara State. By engaging with Eric Chelle, the governor is aligning with national efforts to develop football talent and broaden youth involvement in sports across Nigeria. The ongoing efforts will pave the way for a new generation of athletes to shine at the national and international levels.
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