Young talents impress at D’Tigers star Eric’s Lagos camp

Young basketball talents in Lagos showcased their skills at an elite camp hosted by D’Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric. The event, organized by the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, left organizers deeply impressed by the turnout and quality of play.

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Seeing these kids show up prepared and eager to learn, seeing the hunger in their eyes, it gives you goosebumps and that is exactly the goal.

Eric, who established the foundation in honor of his late father, former Super Eagles goalkeeper Joe Erico, expressed his belief that the initiative is making a significant difference. "Seeing these kids show up prepared and eager to learn, seeing the hunger in their eyes, it gives you goosebumps and that is exactly the goal," Eric stated.

The camp brought together 50 young players and their coaches from academies across Nigeria. Participants engaged in drills and training sessions, receiving essential gear like shoes and jerseys. The foundation aims to identify standout talents for potential sponsorship or trials with European clubs, reflecting Eric's commitment to giving back.

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He always told me it is not about you. You are here for a reason, and you must use your gift to give. I have taken that message very deeply. It is no longer just about me. I have lived the life I could live and enjoyed what basketball has given me, but I have to come back home and make sure something meaningful is done.

Gbenga Jetawo, the foundation's program director, noted that the camp exceeded expectations, having trained over 1,000 children in its five years of operation, funded entirely by Eric. "What they showed today tells you that the talent is there," Jetawo said. "We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport."

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We were impressed by the turnout and by the display of these teenagers. What they showed today tells you that the talent is there. We train them in the basics of basketball, encourage and mentor them, and advise them on life beyond the sport. If we see a child has interest in something else, we encourage them to chase that too.

Head coach Chris Nomigo praised the energetic and purposeful atmosphere, highlighting the players' brilliance. "The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see," Nomigo said. The foundation maintains contact with participants to ensure continued development, with the goal of giving every talented child a real chance.

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The kids were brilliant. The energy they brought was fantastic, and that is what we want to see. It was a one-day crash course, but we make sure to stay in contact with them long after so the development continues. Every one of them deserves a real chance.