D’Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric will host the latest edition of his Top 50 Elite Basketball Camp in Lagos on July 24, providing training, mentorship and exposure for young basketball players across Nigeria.
The camp is organised by the Erico Sports Legacy Foundation, a non-profit established in honour of Eric’s late father, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach Joe Erico.
Speaking during a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos, Eric said the initiative was created to help young Nigerians who dream of pursuing basketball but lack opportunities.
He explained that the programme goes beyond sports by offering mentorship and encouraging participants to value education alongside athletic development.
Eric, who grew up in Mushin, Lagos, only embraced basketball after travelling to the United States, where he later earned a scholarship to Temple University before signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013.
Programme Director Gbenga Jetawo said the foundation has trained more than 1,000 young people over the past five years.
This year’s camp will bring together 50 outstanding players and their coaches from basketball academies across the country.
Participants will receive technical training, mentorship and basketball equipment, while the most outstanding talents could earn sponsorship opportunities or trials with clubs in Europe.
Head coach Chris Nomigo said the one-day programme will combine intensive basketball instruction with an enjoyable learning experience.
Eric also reiterated the importance of education, describing it as an essential tool for creating opportunities beyond professional sports.
The foundation said it hopes to establish a full-scale basketball academy in Nigeria with international affiliations capable of producing future NBA players.
