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Twelve schools from across Nigeria will compete in the final of the 26th Milo National Schools Basketball Championship at the Surulere National Stadium, Lagos, as young athletes battle for national honours.
The stage is set for the 26th Milo National Schools Basketball Championship as 12 schools from across Nigeria prepare to battle for national honors at the Surulere National Stadium, Lagos.
Six schools will compete in the men’s division, while six schools will compete for the women’s title in what promises to be an exciting showcase of youth basketball talent.
Boys category
- Father O’Connell College of Science, Niger State
- King Amakree Academy, Rivers State
- Government Secondary School, FCT
- David Hall International School, Lagos State
- Family Support Program Secondary School, Katsina State
- Urhobo University, Delta State
Girls Category
- Lanreleke Academy, Osun State
- St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa State
- Government Secondary School, Benue State
- Ado Secondary School, Ekiti State
- Urhobo University, Delta State
- Government Girls College, Bauchi State
Speaking ahead of the national final, the Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, Boladale Odunlami, highlighted the impact the championship has had since its inception.
“The Milo Schools 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 become one of the most respected school sports platforms in Nigeria, 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 in the conference finals and ultimately qualify for the national championship.
“Each stage of the championship provided the opportunity to see these values come to life through the discipline of preparation, the commitment of the teams and the determination of young athletes seeking growth and excellence,” he added.
Nestle Nigeria Beverages Category Manager, 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 make this commitment a reality,” 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 people 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 that reaches over 13,000 schools annually and connects students, teachers, coaches, families and communities across Nigeria.
President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), Bisi Joseph, described the championship as more than just a sporting event.
“We’re not just hosting an event; we’re creating a legacy,” Joseph said.
He highlighted that school sports play a crucial role in the training of young people by teaching them discipline, teamwork, leadership and unity.
“Children from Bayelsa are seen interacting with those from Ekiti, Osun and other states. School sports unite people and promote national integration,” he added.
