Milo African U-13: Nigerian kids land in Accra.

Nigeria’s flag bearers to the 2012 Nestle Milo African Under 13 football competition, Saint Stephen Primary School, Lagos, has touched down in Accra on Monday aboard an Arik Air flight.

It was indeed an awesome journey for the pupils as many had barely undertaken such a huge adventure in life previously.

They were received at the Accra airport by Nestle officials from the Ghana offices who were also on ground to receive the teams from the other countries.

Apart from Ghana and Nigeria, the other kids from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Kenya are also in the competition.

The Category Business Manager, Beverages, Nestle, Femi Akintola who led the Nigerian team on Monday said he was excited by the way the programme has helped the young champions.

He said, “These are champions in every way. This competition is meant to develop them mentally for the future and since it began these kids have shown that they can go places with minimal encouragement and empowering. You can see changes and confidence in the way they respond to instruction and challenges. It is the desire of Nestle to investment in their future and I am very happy that their capacity is expanding so fast.”

All the countries are based in Holiday Inn – one of the very best hotels in Ghana. Monday served as arrival date for all the teams including the hosts who were in camp in another location in the country.

The pupils will have a tour of major historical venues on Tuesday before settling to play their football.

The matches will hold on Thursday and Friday while Saturday is billed as departure date.

Nigerian team won the last edition held in South Africa.