Twelve secondary schools have qualified for the National Finals of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC) after emerging victorious from regional qualifying competitions across Nigeria.
The championship, organised by Nestlé Nigeria, will culminate on July 2, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, following months of competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools nationwide.
Since its inception in 1999, the MILO School Basketball Championship has grown from fewer than 500 participating schools into one of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots sports development initiatives, providing young athletes with opportunities to develop their sporting talents as well as leadership, resilience, discipline and teamwork.
The 12 finalist schools emerged from the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences, with six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams set to compete for national honours.
The National Draw placed Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State; King Amakree Academy, Rivers State; and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp, FCT, in Group A of the boys’ category.
Group B comprises Davidhall International College, Lagos State; Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State; and Urhobo College, Delta State.
In the girls’ category, Group A features Lanreleke Academy, Osun State; St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa State; and Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State. Group B consists of Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State; Urhobo College, Delta State; and Government Girls College, Bauchi State.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, 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 youth development through sports.
According to him, the championship provides young Nigerians with opportunities to develop important life skills beyond academics.
“We know that the future of any nation is shaped by the confidence, character and opportunities we provide to its young people today. Through the MILO School Basketball Championship, we continue to invest in sport as a platform for developing not only talented athletes but resilient, confident young leaders who are prepared for success both on and off the court,” he said.
Odunlami noted that the championship has produced several outstanding Nigerian basketball players, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum and Nkechi Akashili, who have represented the country on the international stage.
Also speaking, MILO Category Manager, Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, said the championship was established 26 years ago to provide a platform for young Nigerians to discover their talents while building confidence and strong character.
President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, commended Nestlé Nigeria for its consistency in promoting youth development through sports.
She said the steady growth in participation over the years demonstrates the value the championship brings to schools and communities across the country by providing students with opportunities to compete, learn and develop lifelong skills.
The event was attended by the General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), Lanre Balogun; representative of the National Association of Special Educators, Mr. Olusola Okanlawon; coaches, teachers, participating schools, media partners and other stakeholders.
Group stage matches, which began on June 27, are continuing alongside a coaching clinic and Vibes Day designed to support the development of young athletes and coaches ahead of the championship final on July 2 in Lagos.
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