Twelve schools from across Nigeria will compete at the 26th Milo National School Basketball Championship finals at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, as young athletes battle for national honours.
The stage is set for the 26th Milo National School Basketball Championship as 12 schools from across Nigeria prepare to battle for national honours at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
Six schools will compete in the boys’ category, while six schools will challenge for the girls’ title in what promises to be an exciting showcase of youth basketball talent.
Boys’ Category
- Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State
- King Amakree Academy, Rivers State
- Government Secondary School, FCT
- David Hall International College, Lagos State
- Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State
- Urhobo College, Delta State
Girls’ Category
- Lanreleke Academy, Osun State
- St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa State
- Government Secondary School, Benue State
- Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State
- Urhobo College, Delta State
- Government Girls College, Bauchi State
Speaking ahead of the national finals, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, Boladale Odunlami, highlighted the impact the championship has made since its inception.
“The Milo School Basketball Championship began with a simple ambition: to create a platform where young Nigerians could discover their talents, build confidence and develop the values needed to become champions both on and off the court,” he said.
According to Odunlami, the championship has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected school sports platforms, bringing together athletes, schools, coaches, teachers and families from across the country.
He revealed that more than 13,000 schools participated in this year’s competition, all aiming to represent their regions at the conference finals and ultimately qualify for the national championship.
“Each stage of the championship provided an opportunity to see these values come to life through the discipline of preparation, commitment of teams and determination of young athletes pursuing growth and excellence,” he added.
Nestlé Nigeria’s Category Manager for Beverages, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, said the company remains committed to supporting youth development through sports.
“Supporting the growth and development of children through platforms like the Milo School Basketball Championship is one of the ways we bring this commitment to life,” he said.
He noted that beyond academic excellence, young people need opportunities to develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, leadership and the ability to overcome challenges.
“These qualities help individuals succeed, strengthen communities and contribute positively to society,” he said.
Tweneboah-Koduah explained that the Milo Basketball Programme, launched in 1999, has evolved into a national platform reaching more than 13,000 schools annually and connecting students, teachers, coaches, families and communities across Nigeria.
President of the Nigerian School Sport Federation (NSSF), Bisi Joseph, described the championship as more than just a sporting event.
“We are not just organising an event; we are creating a legacy,” Joseph said.
He stressed that school sports play a crucial role in shaping young people by teaching discipline, teamwork, leadership and unity.
“You see children from Bayelsa relating with those from Ekiti, Osun and other states. School sports bring people together and promote national integration,” she added.