Chelsea legend and former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi is set to create an opportunity to stardom for young and talented Nigerian athletes.
Mikel, who started as an academy player in Jos, Plateau State and rose to the highest level; leading the Nigeria football team to both the World Cup and Olympic Games, said he is keen to create a pathway for others to succeed through sports the same way he did.
The 35-year old, who is one of the only three Nigerians to have lifted the prestigious UEFA Champions League trophy, is ready to use his new Back2Base programme to uplift hundreds of other young talented Nigerians.
The former midfielder fondly referred to as The Catalyst is also willing to put to use his global connections to help the talented young Nigerians not just in football but also in basketball and tennis.
The maiden edition of the Back2Base programme will take place from the 9th – to the 11th of June, 2022 at the University of Lagos, Sports Centre, Yaba.
“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them. Someone created an opportunity for me and It’s been a dream of mine to do the same for young, talented Nigerian athletes.” Mikel who in 2021 was appointed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as one of its Youth Ambassadors declared
“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.”
Aside from providing a platform for the youngsters to showcase their talents, Mikel who is well-known for his philanthropic gestures also promises to reward the outstanding youngsters with cash gifts.
“I will also partner with organisations abroad to help create an opportunity for them to play professionally in the international scene,” he added.
For Mikel, giving a chance to someone to live his/her dreams is a worthy course worth pursuing.