By Peace Udugba
The 26th edition of the MILO Basketball Championship has continued its nationwide journey with the conclusion of the Central Conference regional finals, where Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, emerged champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively.
The competition, which has run for 26 years, remains one of Nigeria’s leading school sports development platforms, using basketball to promote discipline, teamwork, resilience, and confidence among young people. MILO said the championship continues to provide opportunities for students across the country to develop their skills and build character both on and off the court.
This year’s edition recorded strong participation, with over 13,000 schools nationwide applying to take part in the tournament. Seven schools eventually competed at the Central Conference regional finals for a place at the National Finals.
In the girls’ final, Government Secondary School, Gboko delivered a dominant performance, defeating Nigeria Defence Academy Staff Secondary School, Kaduna State, 63–31 to secure the championship title.
The boys’ final was more closely contested, with Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State edging Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp, Abuja 56–53 in a tightly fought encounter.
Speaking at the event, MILO Sports Marketing Manager, Mrs. Funmilola Oyewole, represented Category Manager, Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, who emphasized the wider impact of the competition on young athletes.
“Every game played at this championship reminds us of the courage, determination, and promise that exist in our young people. These students are not only competing for medals; they are learning to believe in themselves, to work as a team, and to rise above challenges,” he said.
Individual brilliance also stood out at the finals. Friday Victoria Ada of Government Secondary School, Gboko was named Most Valuable Player in the girls’ category after scoring 25 points out of her team’s 63.
In the boys’ category, Idris Mohamed of Father O’Connell Science College earned the MVP award after contributing 20 points in his team’s narrow victory.
The Central Conference represents the second of four regional conferences in the 26th MILO Basketball Championship. With the Savannah and Central Conferences now concluded, attention shifts to the Atlantic Conference, where nine schools each in the boys’ and girls’ categories will compete for qualification to the National Finals.
Earlier, at the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State won the girls’ category, while Family Support Programme School, Katsina State emerged winners in the boys’ category.
The Central Conference champions now join other regional winners on the road to the National Finals scheduled to hold in Lagos on July 2, 2026, where the ultimate national champions will be decided.
The event also attracted dignitaries from FCT ministries, alongside representatives of NSSF, NCSF, and FIBA.
