Assistant captain of Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, Mike Eric has called on Nigerian athletes living abroad to reconnect with their roots by investing in their local communities and helping to inspire the next generation.
The veteran centre, who has spent much of his playing career overseas, believes athletes of Nigerian descent have a responsibility to contribute to the country’s development beyond their achievements on the court or field.
According to Eric, returning home to support community projects, youth development initiatives and grassroots sports can create opportunities for countless young Nigerians with dreams of following in their footsteps.
“No matter where you live or how long you’ve been away, Nigeria is still home. We all have a responsibility to come back and give something meaningful to our communities,” Eric said.
The D’Tigers leader noted that many athletes have benefited from the support of families, coaches and local communities during their formative years, making it important to reinvest in those same environments.
He encouraged fellow professionals in the diaspora to look beyond financial success and consider the lasting impact they can make through mentorship, sports development and community empowerment.
“Giving back doesn’t always have to be about money. Your experience, your time and your presence can inspire young people to believe that they can also achieve great things,” he added.
Eric’s remarks come at a time when the National Sports Commission (NSC) is intensifying efforts to engage athletes of Nigerian heritage across the world through its diaspora talent initiative, aimed at strengthening the country’s sporting future and encouraging greater collaboration between home-based and overseas athletes.
The former Temple University standout also believes stronger ties between diaspora athletes and local communities will help nurture the next generation of talent while creating a deeper sense of national pride and identity.
As Nigeria continues to produce elite athletes competing across Europe, North America and other parts of the world, Eric hopes more stars will see themselves not only as ambassadors on the global stage but also as catalysts for positive change back home.
For the D’Tigers vice-captain, true success is measured not only by medals and trophies but also by the legacy athletes leave behind in the communities that first believed in their dreams.
