Lagos, Nigeria- Nigerian athlete Micheal Eric has officially announced the launch of a
charity organization- Erico JR foundation- in honour of his father and sports legend,
Joe Erico who died recently at the age of 72 after a brief illness. Established on the
eve of his passing, Micheal confirmed his personal conviction to start this initiative,
thus the birth of the Erico JR foundation.
Born Joseph Bassey Eric, a native of Odukpani local government area of Cross River
State, southern part of Nigeria, Joe Erico made his first sports debut for the then
Green Eagles of Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Zambia
in July 1973.
He was the official goalkeeper for all Nigeria six matches for the 1976 Africa Cup of
Nations for Ethiopia, where the Eagles finished third – making it the first time the
country won medal for AFCON. He also led the Super Eagles team to bronze-medal
finish for the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations finals for Mali.
Reckoned as one of the best international goalkeepers at the time, Erico alongside
late Amodu Shaibu and Stephen Keshi were responsible for the significant turn of
events for Nigeria during the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals under Dutchman Johannes
Bonfrere. With three matches to go and a must-win game for all, the trio delivered
and qualified Nigeria for Korea/Japan.
Speaking about the honorary event, Micheal Eric commented
“I want to use this event to shine light on the legacy of Joe Erico. The man he
was, the uniqueness of his personality and also continue what he instilled in me
as a person and young man. He taught me to be thankful and give back and that’s
what I’m going to do. If he had 20 of something and someone was in immediate
need, he was willing to give it all. EricoJR Foundation aims to give a lot of
opportunity to the kids and a hope for a brighter future”
Given the current state of affairs, the event which is slated for Tuesday, February
2nd 2021 at Warriors Basketball Court, Industrial Avenue, Ilupeju, Odi-Olowo,
Lagos will ensure maximum compliance to the COVID-19 protocols and government
directives as safety masks will be available and social distancing practiced.
As the foundation’s first line of duty, the Memorial Games Night which will feature
several games and tributes is an act of honour to Joe Erico’s passion and love for
sports and a celebration of the life and legacy of the former Super Eagles goalkeeper
and assistant coach.
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