L–R: Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, representative of the National Sports Commission; Mr. Lanre Balogun, Secretary General, Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF); Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President, Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF); Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, MILO; and Mr. Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Director, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, at the unveiling of the finalists for the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship National Finals in Lagos.
By Peace Udugba
Following months of competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, MILO has unveiled the 12 schools that will compete in the National Finals of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to youth development through sports.
Since its launch in 1999, the championship has grown into one of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots sports development initiatives. What began with fewer than 500 participating schools has expanded into a national platform that now reaches over 13,000 secondary schools annually, helping young athletes develop their sporting talents alongside essential life skills such as confidence, resilience, discipline and leadership.
The finalist schools emerged from qualifying competitions across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences. Six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams will compete for national honours at the championship finals scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The group stage fixtures were determined during the National Draws held ahead of the tournament.
In the boys’ category, Group A comprises Father O’Connell Science College (Niger State), King Amakree Academy (Rivers State), and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT).
Group B features Davidhall International College (Lagos State), Family Support Programme Secondary School (Katsina State), and Urhobo College (Delta State).
In the girls’ category, Group A consists of Lanreleke Academy (Osun State), St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa State), and Government Secondary School, Gboko (Benue State). Group B includes Ado Grammar School (Ekiti State), Urhobo College (Delta State), and Government Girls College (Bauchi State).
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, represented by the company’s Commercial Director, Boladale Odunlami, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating opportunities that support the holistic development of young Nigerians.
“We know that the future of any nation is shaped by the confidence, character and opportunities we provide to its young people today. Beyond academic knowledge, young people need opportunities to develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the ability to overcome challenges. Through the MILO School Basketball Championship, we continue to invest in sports as a platform for developing not only talented athletes but also resilient, confident young leaders who are prepared for success both on and off the court,” he said.
Elhusseini noted that the championship has produced several outstanding Nigerian basketball players, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum and Nkechi Akashili, who have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally, underscoring the long-term impact of sustained investment in grassroots sports.
Also speaking, Category Manager for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, reflected on the championship’s 26-year journey.
“Twenty-six years ago, 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.
President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, commended Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained commitment to youth development through sports.
“The continued growth in participation reflects the value this championship brings to schools and communities across Nigeria. Year after year, it provides young people with opportunities to compete, learn, build confidence and develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.
We commend Nestlé Nigeria for its consistency and long-term commitment to youth development through sports,” she said.
The event was attended by the General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), Lanre Balogun, as well as Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, representing the National Sports Commission, alongside other stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports sector.
