Players scramble for N6 million as Mikel’s Back2Base ends in Lagos

Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, flanked by the Research Coordinator, Niyi Beecroft (right), Head PR, Ms. Fadekemi Ahmed and Management Team Head Mr. Dwayne during the formal presentation of Back2Base project in Lagos

After several weeks of planning, the maiden John Obi Mikel’s Back2Base programme got underway in Lagos on Thursday with many players scrambling to be part of the event held at the University of Lagos Sports Centre, Akoka. The programme ends today.

Many youths without prior registration, stormed the venue eager to be part of the event, but were disappointed because the organisers had registered qualified players over the past few weeks.

However, many of them returned to the stand and watched with delight, while participants displayed their talents across the three sports, football, tennis and basketball.

“I’m delighted that the Back2Base project is underway, and this is one of the several ways to discover talents that can be nurtured to become stars tomorrow,” Mikel stated.

He continued: “I started playing from the sandy pitch, where I moved into manageable football field and it will be a great opportunity for many of these young talents to discover themselves.”

The first match between All Stars against Agbado Ijaiye Meiran ended goalless.

According to the organisers, the two matches will produce the best 11 in each department, and will tackle the best 11 from the matches in yesterday’s fixtures for the final match today.

Cash rewards of N6 million will be presented for best players in the three sports today.

In the other match played on Thursday, Almosho Pipeline took on Agbado Ijaiye Adura and today, Ajegunle FC will square up with Evans Square of Ebute Meta, while Alimosho Akinola will take on Magboro