St. Jude Girls, King Amakree Academy
Crowned Atlantic Conference Champions at 26th MILO Basketball Championship
The race to the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals gathered momentum with the successful conclusion of the Atlantic Conference, the third regional stage of the competition, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
At the end of an exciting and fiercely contested tournament, St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, emerged champions in the girls’ category, while King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, claimed the boys’ title to secure their places at the National Finals.
For 26 years, the MILO Basketball Championship has remained a cornerstone of youth development in Nigeria, using sports as a platform to nurture discipline, teamwork, resilience, confidence, and leadership among young people. This year’s edition attracted applications from more than 13,000 schools nationwide, underscoring the championship’s growing impact and popularity.
Nine schools in each category battled for regional supremacy and a coveted ticket to the National Finals. In the girls’ final, St. Jude Girls Secondary School delivered a commanding performance to defeat Urhobo College 46–25. In the boys’ final, King Amakree Academy edged Urhobo College 47–44 in a thrilling encounter.
Speaking at the event, the Category Manager, MILO, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, emphasized the championship’s role in shaping future leaders through sports.
“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. At MILO, we are proud to continue supporting a platform that helps young people turn their passion into purpose,” he said.
Individual brilliance also shone throughout the competition. In the girls’ category, Anthonia Obokawe of St. Jude Girls Secondary School was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) after scoring 12 points to help her team secure victory. In the boys’ category, Edmund Hart of King Amakree Academy earned MVP honours with an impressive 22-point performance, accounting for nearly half of his team’s total score.
The championship attracted dignitaries from the Delta State Ministry of Education, alongside representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Nigeria Council of School Sports (NCSF), and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
The journey to the National Finals has already produced champions from previous regional conferences. Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, and Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, emerged winners in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively at the Savannah Conference. At the Central Conference, Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, clinched the girls’ title, while Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, won the boys’ category.
With the Atlantic Conference now concluded, attention shifts to the Western Conference, the final regional stage of the competition. Victorious teams there will join the qualified schools at the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals scheduled to hold on July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
As anticipation builds, Nigeria’s brightest young basketball talents continue their quest for national glory on one of the country’s most prestigious school sports platforms.