From Sekondi, Nkawkaw Salvation Army Primary School have been crowned champions of the 2026 MILO Under-13 Champions League after an outstanding performance at the national finals held at the Essipon Stadium in the Western Region.
The prestigious grassroots competition, organised by Nestlé Ghana Ltd, brought together over 5,000 young footballers from across the country, reaffirming its status as one of Ghana’s most impactful platforms for youth football development. The tournament engages more than 100,000 pupils nationwide through a structured progression from district to zonal and national levels, with the top 16 schools advancing to the finals.
Salvation Army Primary School demonstrated dominance throughout the competition, booking their place in the final with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wenchi Methodist Primary School in the semi-finals.
In a composed and tactically disciplined final, the Nkawkaw-based side defeated Kwabenya Primary School from the Greater Accra Region by 2-0, scoring once in each half to secure the title and cement their place as national champions.
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, who serves as a brand ambassador for the tournament, led football clinics for participants and praised the level of talent on display. He noted that the competition continues to uncover promising young players, but stressed the need for sustained support and development structures to help them reach their full potential.
Corporate Affairs Director of Nestlé Ghana, Debora Kwablah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the initiative, stating that the competition will continue to serve as a platform for nurturing future national stars.
The event was held under the theme “Education First, Football Always,” highlighting the importance of balancing academic pursuits with sporting excellence. Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah commended Nestlé Ghana for its continued investment in youth development, noting that such initiatives are vital to strengthening the foundation of Ghanaian football.
Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, Salomé A. Avavedor encouraged participants to apply the same dedication exhibited on the pitch to their education, stressing that academic success remains a key priority.
Brand Manager for MILO, Myron Otoo highlighted the collaboration between Nestlé Ghana and key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, and the Ghana Football Association, noting that the initiative continues to promote discipline, teamwork, and character development.
Meanwhile, the coach of Nkawkaw Salvation Army Primary School appealed for the construction of a standard stadium in Nkawkaw to support the growth and development of young football talents in the area.
