Abuja — Asegun Comp-rehensive High School, Ibadan after lifting the maiden edition of the Milo U-13 football trophy has qualified to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming Milo Under-13 African Championship holding next year in South Africa.

To this end, the beverage company has pledged its strong commitment to youth sports developmental programmes in the nation.

On their way to picking the ticket, Asegun Comprehensive High School defeated Government Secondary School, Doma, Nasarawa State 5-1 in the final of the Nigerian leg of the Milo Under-13 African Football Championship played at the main bowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium before a large crowd which included former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, Segun Odegbami, Yisa Shofoluwe and other top Nestle executives.

For its effort, Asegun went home with N100,000 and a trophy, while the Nasarawa team pocketed N75,000. The third placed team, Obolo Secondary Technical School, Iziala Mbanu smiled home with N50,000 in prize money.

Speaking after the presentation of trophies and cash award to his team, Mufutau Aremu, the coach of the Asegun Comprehensive team attributed the success of his wards to determination on the part of the boys to excel. He said that they were not sure of winning at the championship since the other teams are not push overs but were happy that they were able to win the ticket to represent the country next year in South Africa.

His counterpart from Nasarawa State, Tokunbo Adeoye expressed sadness at the loss of his team but commended his boys for putting up a good fight. He also expressed thanks to Nestle for organising the championship which would go a long way in developing young football talents and give youngsters hope for the future. Walter Okafor, Category Business Manager, Beverages pledged Nestle Milo's continued support for grassroots sports and assured the winner of adequate support at the African event holding in South Africa in February 2010.