Ado Salisu
Former Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa, has called on corporate organisations in Nigeria to complement government efforts in developing sports, particularly at the grassroots and school levels.
Musa made the call during the opening of the Under-13 MILO X Ahmed Musa Sports Clinic and Tournament in Kano.
The former national team captain said greater involvement of corporate organisations in sponsoring grassroots sporting activities would help identify, nurture and develop young football talents for future national and international competitions.
Musa, who is also a MILO brand ambassador, said his partnership with Nestlé MILO was aimed at reviving the culture of school sports and creating opportunities for children to develop their sporting abilities from an early age.
He noted that Nigeria is blessed with abundant football talent, stressing that young players require adequate support, encouragement and platforms to develop their skills and contribute to the country’s sporting success.
While commending Nestlé MILO for its continued investment in sports development, Musa urged other corporate organisations to emulate the company by supporting grassroots sports programmes.
He also announced a personal cash prize of N1.8 million for the top three teams at the end of the tournament.
According to him, the winning team will receive N1 million, while the runners-up will get N500,000 and the third-place team N300,000.
The sponsors will also provide sporting kits and MILO products for participants in the competition.
Earlier, the Category Manager of MILO, Gilbert Teenaboah Koduah, said the partnership with Ahmed Musa would help the company design more school sports programmes aimed at identifying and developing young talents for future national and international engagements.
Koduah said MILO had sponsored the National Secondary Schools Basketball Championship for boys and girls for more than two decades, assuring that the company would continue to support sports development in Nigeria.
He commended the people of Kano State for their support and cooperation towards the successful commencement of the initiative.
Sixteen football teams are participating in the championship, with the winners, runners-up, third-place team and other participants expected to receive prizes at the conclusion of the tournament.
The opening ceremony was attended by the MILO Sports Marketing Manager, Mrs Funmilola Oyewole, and other dignitaries.