Officials of Nestlé Nigeria, the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), the National Collegiate Sports Foundation (NCSF), and FIBA Africa Zone 3 pose for a group photograph with players and officials of King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, winners of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals.
By Peace Udugba
LAGOS – History was made at the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals as King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko, Benue State, emerged as first-time national champions, further strengthening the tournament’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier platform for discovering and nurturing young basketball talent.
Held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, the National Finals featured the four conference champions from across the country, alongside the two best-performing runners-up. After a thrilling group stage, the top teams advanced to the finals, where two new champions were crowned.
In the girls’ final, Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko, defeated multiple-time champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, 68-36 to claim the school’s first-ever national title and cap an impressive tournament campaign. Ada Friday, who wore jersey No. 6, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the girls’ tournament.
The boys’ final also produced a historic result as King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, edged three-time national champions and defending title holders, Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, 56-54 to lift the championship trophy for the first time. Godswill Mene, wearing jersey No. 8, emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the boys’ tournament.
For more than two decades, the MILO Basketball Championship has remained at the forefront of grassroots basketball development in Nigeria. This year’s competition engaged more than 13,000 secondary schools across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences before culminating in the National Finals in Lagos, demonstrating the tournament’s nationwide reach and sustained commitment to youth development.
Beyond basketball, the championship promotes discipline, resilience, teamwork and confidence while providing young people with opportunities to compete, grow and realise their potential. This year’s edition reinforced that vision as King Amakree Academy and GSS Gboko became first-time national champions, proving that success is attainable for every participating school.
Speaking at the National Finals, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim ElHusseini, said the championship reflects the company’s commitment to investing in young people through its Creating Shared Value initiative.
“At Nestlé Nigeria, Creating Shared Value is at the heart of how we do business. We believe our success is closely connected to the well-being of the communities we serve. That is why we continue to invest in initiatives like the MILO Basketball Championship, creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.
“For 26 years, this championship has been about more than basketball. It has been a platform where young people learn discipline, teamwork, resilience and self-belief. These are qualities that not only make better athletes but also help shape responsible leaders and stronger communities,” he said.
Also speaking, Category Lead for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, described the outcome of the championship as a testament to the opportunities the competition offers young Nigerians.
“This year’s championship is a powerful reminder of what the MILO Basketball Championship stands for. At MILO, we believe every child has the potential to achieve something great when given the right support and opportunity.
“Seeing two schools become national champions for the first time shows that every participating team has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they come from or their history in the competition. It reinforces our commitment to providing a platform where young people can discover their potential, build character and realise their dreams through sport,” he said.
The championship also featured an inclusive wheelchair basketball exhibition match involving young para-athletes, reflecting MILO’s commitment to inclusion and its belief in the potential of every child.
The winning teams received championship trophies, cash prizes, basketball kits and MILO products in recognition of their outstanding performances.
As the latest champions join the growing list of schools shaped by the competition, the MILO Basketball Championship continues to provide opportunities for young Nigerians to discover their potential, build confidence and develop the values needed to succeed both on and off the court.
Together with the MILO Building Champs initiative, which reached about seven million children in 2025 through school-based physical activity programmes, the championship remains a key part of MILO’s long-standing commitment to helping young Nigerians embrace active lifestyles, build character and realise their full potential through sports.
