The Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Mustapha Mohammed Alheri, has sponsored two promising footballers from Abu Dhabi Football Academy to travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as part of efforts to promote grassroots sports and youth development.
The beneficiaries, Usman Abubakar, popularly known as Pato, and Mohammed Nazir, are among five academy players receiving support from the Chanchaga council chairman.
The duo are scheduled to depart for Dubai on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with Alheri covering the cost of their flight tickets.
The sponsorship is expected to give the young players an opportunity to gain international exposure, sharpen their skills and explore new pathways for professional football development.
Alheri said the initiative reflects his administration’s determination to identify and support young talents within Chanchaga, particularly those with the potential to build careers through sport.
“Our youths are talented and full of potential. What they need is the right support and opportunity to showcase what they can do.
“Supporting these young footballers is our modest contribution towards giving them a platform to grow and pursue their dreams,” the chairman said.
He described investment in grassroots sports as an investment in the future of the local government, urging the beneficiaries to approach the opportunity with discipline and determination.
“When we invest in our youths, we are investing in the future of Chanchaga. I want these young men to take this opportunity seriously, remain disciplined and continue to work hard because opportunities of this nature can open important doors for their careers,” he added.
The chairman also charged the players to represent Chanchaga responsibly during their time in the United Arab Emirates.
“They are going to Dubai with the support of their community behind them. I expect them to demonstrate discipline, humility and commitment, while using the experience to improve themselves and inspire other young talents,” Alheri stated.
Vice President of Abu Dhabi Football Academy, Usman Chata, thanked the chairman for supporting the players and contributing to the development of grassroots football.
Chata described the sponsorship as a significant boost to the beneficiaries, saying the international exposure could enhance their confidence while exposing them to new footballing opportunities.
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He commended Alheri for investing in young players and supporting initiatives capable of creating a pathway from grassroots football to higher levels of the game.
The sponsorship highlights the growing importance of strategic investment in grassroots football, particularly in helping talented youngsters access opportunities beyond their immediate communities.
For Abubakar and Nazir, the Dubai trip marks another significant stage in their football journey, offering them a chance to test themselves on a broader platform and further pursue their ambitions in the sport.
