Nestlé MILO, the energy food drink of future champions, continues to support the development of grassroots sports in Africa through the most recent edition of the bi-annual Nestlé MILO Under 13 Football Championship which took place from 29th May – 1st June in Lagos, Nigeria.
Very important players
The Nestlé MILO Under 13 Championship opened with a gala night celebration, which took place on 29 May 2014 at the InterContinental Hotel in Lagos. The event was attended by the participating teams from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, government officials, sports personalities, members of the diplomatic circle and the media.Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Mohammed, welcomed all the participating teams to Nigeria. Mallam Mohammed also commended Nestlé for promoting school sports in African countries.
A final between two Champion nations
The first edition of the Championship, in 2010, was hosted by South Africa and won by Nigeria. Two years later, the Nestlé MILO Championship was both hosted and won by the Ghanaian team. This year, it was the teams representing these two countries that battled each other for the Championship trophy in the final.
The finals took place on Saturday, 31 May, before which Nigeria had successfully battled South Africa in Group A of the knockout stages while defending champions Ghana had won against Kenya in Group B.
Both Ghana and Nigeria Teams played exceptionally well and the game was very tight. Team Nigeria beat Team Ghana on penalties (5 – 4).
Mustapha Adam Agba, of Nigeria, went home with the golden boots for the highest goal scorer, having scored four goals in two matches. Olakunle Olusegun, the Nigerian captain, took away the MVP Award.
Former African footballer of the year and former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, expressed his joy as the Nigerians won the trophy. “You can see they really have the talent, I’m happy for the Nigerian kids but the Ghanaians also played very well. I’m proud of the boys,” he said
The South African team was successful in its battle against Kenya for third place, winning 4 goals to 1, closing a very successful edition of the Nestlé MILO Under 13 football Championship.
Why Nestlé Promotes School Sports
According to Dharnesh Gordhon, Chief Executive of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, “Sports have qualities that set the foundations for a child’s future. It is through participating in sports that they will learn to persevere through hardship, find courage over fear, work as a team, be respectful and learn how to lead.”
As part of our commitment to nutrition, health and wellness and enhancing the quality of lives through sports, Nestlé remains committed to the promotion of school sports through various sponsorship platforms, including basketball and football.