馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Young talents impress at D'Tigers star Eric's Lagos basketball camp
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
D'Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric hosted a Top 50 elite basketball camp in Lagos, which saw young talents impress organizers. The camp, held under the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, a non-profit established in honor of his late father, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach Joe Erico, aims to provide sporting platforms for young Nigerians. Eric, born and raised in Mushin, Lagos, expressed that the teenagers' skills reinforced his belief in the foundation's impact. He noted his father's philosophy of giving back as a key inspiration. Fifty young players and their coaches from various academies participated in drills and training, receiving gear from the foundation. The best two or three athletes may be considered for sponsorship or trials with European clubs. Gbenga Jetawo, the foundation's program director, stated that the initiative has trained over 1,000 children in five years, funded solely by Eric. Head coach Chris Nomigo praised the participants' energy and commitment. Eric emphasized the foundation's focus on both education and sport, a principle he attributes to his father, and lauded similar initiatives by other Nigerian basketball professionals. The foundation's long-term goal is to establish a full academy in Nigeria with international affiliations and secure sponsorship partnerships.
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