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ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT ERICO JR FOUNDATION
The Erico Jr. Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating basketball opportunities for young athletes in Nigeria.
We believe sport can do more than develop talent. It can build confidence, discipline, leadership, and a vision for the future.
OUR STORY
INSPIRING YOUTH THROUGH SPORTS IN NIGERIA, AFRICA
The foundation was created to honor the legacy of Joseph “Jogo Bonito” Erico and continue the values he lived by:
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Generosity
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Discipline
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Faith
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Service
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Belief in Others
Today, EJF carries that legacy forward by supporting young Nigerian basketball players with access to training, shoes, gear, mentorship, and community-based programs.
OUR MISSION
The Erico Jr. Foundation creates access, opportunity, and development pathways for young basketball players in Nigeria through camps, coaching, shoes, gear, mentorship, and community-based programs.
We strive to bring hope to underserved communities by impacting lives through the power of sports & education.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Erico Jr. Foundation is to build a sustainable basketball development ecosystem in Nigeria where young athletes have the resources, support, and confidence to pursue their potential on and off the court.
The five year plan for EJF includes the construction of a facility to live out our mission.
WHAT WE BELIEVE IN
OUR VALUES
OUR LEGACY
MEET ERICO
Founded in Honor of Joe "Jogo Bonito", the Erico Jr. Foundation carries forward a legacy of service by creating real and life changing opportunities for young athletes. Meet the man who inspired EJF.
Born Joseph Eric, Joe Erico was a respected Nigerian football figure whose career spanned playing, training, and coaching at the highest levels of the sport. Known by admirers as “Jogo Bonito,” he earned the nickname through the attractive style of football his teams displayed.
As a player, Erico represented Nigeria as a goalkeeper and was part of the team that finished third at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia.
He later transitioned into coaching, serving on the Super Eagles technical crew during the 2000 and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Joe Erico passed away on January 21, 2021, after an illness, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, service, and lasting impact on Nigerian football and the countless players he helped to develop.
OUR FOUNDER
MEET ERICO JR
Micheal Eric understands what basketball can do for a young person because he has lived it.
From Nigeria to college basketball at Temple University and a professional career across international leagues, Micheal’s journey has shown him how access, discipline, exposure, and support can change the direction of an athlete’s life.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Micheal Eric is a professional basketball player, global competitor, and founder of the Erico Jr. Foundation.
The son of Joseph “Jogo Bonito” Erico, Micheal grew up surrounded by sport, discipline, and service. After beginning his athletic journey through football, he transitioned to basketball as a teenager and later moved to the United States, where he developed at Church Farm School before playing college basketball at Temple University.
Since beginning his professional career in 2012, Micheal has competed across the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, winning championships with Darüşşafaka, Baskonia, and CSKA Moscow while also representing Team Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Through the Erico Jr. Foundation, Micheal now carries forward his father’s legacy by creating access, mentorship, and development opportunities for young athletes in Nigeria.
