JOHNREY Nieves made sure his last stint in the Milo Olympics will be a blast as he scored twice to lead the Abellana National School, 2-1, in the secondary football finals against the Don Bosco College at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Paref-Springdale also booked a seat to the national finals with a 7-2 rout of Canduman Elementary School.
Nieves, the fifth child of unemployed parents, hopes to earn a football scholarship when he reaches college and dreams of becoming a world-class chef.
Hindrance
“I always believe that poverty is not a hindrance in achieving your dreams. If there is a will then there is a way,” said Nieves, who is also the team captain.
Yesterday’s win upped ANS title haul in the Milo football to eight. The team also won the inaugural national title on home soil last year.
“This is my last hurrah in the Milo nationals. I hope to lead the team in defending the title in Cagayan de Oro,” said Nieves.
Coach Francis Ramirez said he is confident in his team, despite losing five key players from last year’s squad.
Ramirez also said he wants his team to play with their brains and not just with their brawn.
“The team played well in today’s championship I just hope nga dili sila ma sobra-an ka agresibo in the nationals. Ganina, sobra sila ka agresibo pero wala nakuha sa play,” Ramirez said.
In the battle for third, Sacred Heart School-Jesuits routed Springdale, 6-2, while City Central School got the third place in the elementary division against Colegio dela Inmaculada Concepcion, 4-1.