The Executive Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Hon. Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Jibril Alheri, has sponsored two promising players of Abu Dhabi Football Academy, formerly known as John Utaka Football Academy (JUFA), to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as part of his administration’s 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 Chanchaga chairman, with the duo scheduled to travel to Dubai on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Alheri has fully funded their flight tickets, providing the young footballers with an opportunity to gain international exposure, broaden their football experience and further develop their careers.

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

Speaking on the sponsorship, Alheri said his administration recognises the enormous potential among young people and would continue to support initiatives capable of transforming 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 described investment in grassroots sports as an investment in the future of the community, urging the beneficiaries to remain focused and disciplined.

“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 international 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 footballers.

Chata described the sponsorship as a significant intervention that would boost the confidence of the beneficiaries while exposing them to new football experiences and opportunities.

He commended Alheri for investing in the players and supporting grassroots football, stressing that interventions of such nature could make a meaningful difference in the careers of aspiring footballers.

The sponsorship highlights the importance of sustained investment in grassroots football as a pathway for identifying, nurturing and exposing young talents to opportunities beyond their immediate environment.

The Dubai trip represents another significant step for Abubakar and Nazir's football journey and an opportunity to showcase their abilities on an international platform while inspiring other young talents from Chanchaga and Niger State.