NewsMikel Announces Date For Maiden Back2Base Talent Hunt Program

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, is set to create an opportunity to stardom for young and talented Nigerian athletes.

Eager to create a pathway for others to succeed through sports the same way he did, Mikel, who started out as an academy player in Jos, Plateau State, and rose to the highest level, leading the national team to both the World Cup and Olympic Games, said his new Back2Base programme is a platform for the youngsters to showcase their talents, not just in football but also in basketball and tennis.

“I would like to announce the first edition of my Back2Base program which will give aspiring professional athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports like Football, Basketball and Tennis,” Mikel, who was appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as one of its Youth Ambassadors in 2021, declared.

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them,” the football star added. “Someone created an opportunity for me and it’s been a dream of mine to do the same for young, talented Nigerian athletes.”

Besides providing an opportunity for aspiring athletes to showcase their talents, the 35-year-old promised to reward the outstanding youngsters with cash gifts, as well as a mentorship session.

“A monetary price will be awarded to the most promising athletes across the three sports. They will also be hosted to an exclusive dinner with me where a mentorship session will be held,” he disclosed.

The maiden edition of the Back2Base programme will take place between June 9 and 11, 2022 at the University of Lagos, Sports Centre, Yaba.

The three-day event is free for all.