L–R: Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, National Association of Special Educators; Mr. Lanre Balogun, Secretary General, National Collegiate Sports Foundation (NCSF); Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President, Nigerian School Sport Federation (NSSF); Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, MILO; and Mr. Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Director, Nestlé Nigeria Plc.
26th MILO School Basketball Championship Reaches National Finals as 12 Schools Battle for Glory
Following months of intense competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, the 26th edition of the MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC) has reached its climax, with 12 outstanding schools qualifying for the National Finals scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The championship, one of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots sports development initiatives, continues to reinforce Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing young talent while equipping students with valuable life skills such as resilience, discipline, teamwork and leadership.
Since its launch in 1999, the MILO School Basketball Championship has grown remarkably from fewer than 500 participating schools to over 13,000 secondary schools nationwide, providing thousands of young athletes with opportunities to excel both on and off the basketball court.
The finalists emerged from qualifying competitions across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences. Six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams will now compete for national honours after the official draw determined the group-stage fixtures.
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).
For the girls’ competition, 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 during 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 Nestlé’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through sports.
He noted that beyond academic excellence, young people require opportunities to develop leadership, resilience, teamwork and confidence, stressing that the championship has consistently served as a platform for producing well-rounded future leaders.
According to him, the competition has helped shape the careers of several Nigerian basketball stars, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum and Nkechi Akashili, who have represented the country internationally, demonstrating the long-term impact of sustained investment in grassroots sports.
Category Manager for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, described the championship as a transformational initiative that has inspired thousands of young Nigerians over the past 26 years.
He said the competition was established to help students discover their talents, build confidence and develop the values required to become champions in sports and in life.
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, commended Nestlé Nigeria for its unwavering commitment to youth development through sports.
She noted that the championship’s increasing participation reflects its growing impact on schools and communities nationwide, adding that it continues to provide students with opportunities to compete, learn and develop essential life skills.
The event attracted key stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports sector, including Lanre Balogun, General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), Mr. Olusola Okanlawon of the National Association of Special Educators, coaches, teachers, participating schools and media partners.
Ahead of the grand finale, participating teams are taking part in group-stage matches, coaching clinics and interactive activities designed to further develop the skills of young athletes and coaches.
The championship will culminate with the National Finals on July 2, where Nigeria’s emerging basketball talents will compete for the coveted national title.