17th April, 2014
The city of Lagos, Nigeria will play host to the third edition of Milo U-17 African Championship, which will hold from 29-31 May at the Campos Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos Island.
The championship, which began in South Africa in 2010 with Nigeria winning the maiden edition, is a Pan-African competition organised for school children under the age of 13.
St Barnabas LGEA School “A’’ from Ilorin, Kwara, will represent Nigeria were unveiled to the press by the sponsor, Nestle Nigeria Plc, yesterday in Lagos. The Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Dharnesh Gordhon, said: “The three-day tournament kicks off on May 29. The defending champion is Ghana, while Kenya will represent East Africa. South Africa will be defending Southern African pride.
Doja Ekeruche, Nestle Milo Category Manager, said Milo, the energy food drink of future champions, has been consistent with the vision of unearthing talents.
According Ekeruche, St Barnabas had defeated other schools from across the federation to emerge winners of the Milo-sponsored U-13 football competition at the National School Sports Festival in November 2013.
She added that the Nigeria team will undergo intensive training with football experts in preparation for their games.
“They will be trained for two weeks at the Kwara International Football Academy, where they will be monitored by ex-internationals, Emmanuel Amunike and Peter Rufai.
“They will also undergo a four day training session at the International Sports Academy, Wasinmi, Ogun, run by another ex-international, Segun Odegbami,’’ she said.
P.M.NEWS Sports gathered that Ghana will be represented by Zorgbeli L/A Primary School, Tamal. The team will attend a coaching clinic with tournament icon and former Black Stars Skipper, Stephen Appiah, and participate in a series of friendly matches against selected Accra schools.