Former Super Eagles Captain and Chelsea FC star, John Obi Mikel, launched the ‘Mikel Obi Foundation’ In a bid to unearth fresh football talents from across the African continent. The foundation, established in Nigeria, aims to give back to Mikel’s home country and its communities while nurturing the next generation of football stars.
Expressing his motivation, Mikel stated, “Home is where it all started for me. I will always want to give back to Nigeria, my community, and that is why I am doing this.” He emphasized the importance of supporting young athletes and the determination to ensure the foundation’s success.
The inaugural event, which gathered children from various parts of Lagos, took place at the CIS pitch in Lekki. Mikel, currently playing for Chinese club Tianjin TEDA, collaborated with Kwese TV to launch the foundation.
“Our mission is to scout talent from the streets and villages. Nigeria is brimming with potential, and that’s what I want to tap into. Our focus areas are Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt,” Mikel explained, highlighting the foundation’s intention to reach remote regions to identify budding football prodigies.
Mikel’s initiative joins the ranks of other international sports stars who establish foundations as they approach the later stages of their careers. His illustrious career, featuring achievements like English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, and AFCON victories, showcases his commitment to both individual excellence and community development.
In a similar vein, the Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF), founded by renowned footballer Kanu Nwankwo, has been making significant strides since its inception in 2000. The non-governmental, non-profit organization focuses on aiding underprivileged Nigerian children suffering from cardiac diseases, facilitating life-saving surgeries within and beyond the nation’s borders.
Having achieved a remarkable 98.5 percent success rate across over 415 heart surgeries, KHF’s impact resonates throughout African countries and particularly in Nigeria. The foundation’s dedication to providing medical assistance to indigent children underscores the power of sports figures in creating positive change beyond the field.
As Mikel Obi’s ‘Mikel Obi Foundation’ embarks on its mission to shape the future of African football, his commitment to nurturing talent echoes the altruism demonstrated by the Kanu Heart Foundation in reshaping the lives of young Nigerians.
