Joel Ajayi 

The Executive Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Hon. Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Jibril Alheri, has sponsored two promising players of the Abu Dhabi Football Academy, formerly known as John Utaka Football Academy (JUFA), to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as part of his commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development.

The beneficiaries, Usman Abubakar, popularly known as Pato, and Mohammed Nazir, are among five players from the academy being sponsored by the chairman, with the two set to travel to Dubai on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The chairman has fully funded their flight tickets, providing the young players with an opportunity to gain international exposure and further develop their football careers.

The initiative is also part of Alheri’s efforts to give back to his roots and create meaningful opportunities for young people from Chanchaga Local Government Area.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Alheri said his administration recognises the potential of young people and remains committed to supporting initiatives that can transform their talents into sustainable opportunities.

“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.”

He added that investing in grassroots sports was also an investment in the future of the community.

“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.”

Alheri further charged the players to see themselves as ambassadors of Chanchaga and to make the most of the exposure.

“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.”

Also speaking, the Vice President of Abu Dhabi Football Academy, Usman Abubakar Chata, expressed appreciation to the Chanchaga chairman for his support and commitment to the development of the young players.

Chata described the sponsorship as a significant intervention that would boost the confidence of the beneficiaries and provide them with valuable international exposure.

He thanked Alheri for investing in the players and supporting grassroots football, stressing that such gestures could make a meaningful difference in the careers of young footballers.

The sponsorship underscores the importance of grassroots investment in football development, particularly in creating pathways for young players to gain international exposure and advance their careers.

For Abubakar and Nazir, the Dubai trip represents another important step in their football journey and an opportunity to demonstrate their potential beyond the grassroots level.

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