On Wednesday 28 January, 2026, Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, welcomed Eric Sekou Chelle, manager of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the Northwestern State as both discussed development of sports in the State.
The Governor described Chelle as a “great sportsperson”; and disclosed, he and the Nigeria coach talked about how to pull the youths in the State into active sports in different categories.
Lawal received Chelle ahead of the inauguration of the State’s remodelled stadium and sports complex.
Eric Chelle, born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to a French Father and a Malian mother, led the Super Eagles to third position in the recently concluded Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which took place in Morocco.
Governor Lawal wrote: “Earlier today, I received Éric Sékou Chelle, the head coach of the Super Eagles. It was a pleasure to converse with such a great sportsperson.
“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.”
Nigeria’s bronze medal at AFCON 2025 was the country’s ninth in the tournament – the Super Eagles won third place in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2019, 2025.
Since taking Nigeria’s managerial position, Chelle has played twenty-one (21) games, won fourteen (14), drew six (6) and lost one (1).
As a player, he won the French Ligue 2 twice with FC Valenciennes (2005/06), and RC Lens (2008/09).
As a manager, he led Nigeria to Unity Cup 2025 victory and finished third at AFCON 2025.
Photo: Governor Dauda Lawal receives Eric Chelle | X/Dauda Lawal
