St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, have emerged champions of the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively at the Atlantic Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship.
The conference, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, marked the third regional stage of the championship, with nine schools in each category competing for the coveted spots at the National Finals.
In the girls’ final, St. Jude Girls Secondary School secured a convincing 46–25 victory over Urhobo College to claim the regional title. In the boys’ category, King Amakree Academy edged Urhobo College 47–44 in a closely contested encounter to emerge champions.
The championship, which has been running for 26 years, remains one of Nigeria’s leading school sports development platforms. According to organisers, more than 13,000 schools applied to participate in this year’s competition, highlighting its growing popularity and impact on youth development across the country.
Speaking at the event, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, underscored the importance of the championship in shaping the character and future of young athletes.
He said the competition goes beyond winning medals, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork, discipline and resilience.
“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 performances also stood out during the tournament. In the girls’ category, Anthonia Obokawe of St. Jude Girls Secondary School was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after contributing 12 points in her team’s winning effort.
For the boys, Edmund Hart of King Amakree Academy earned the MVP award after an outstanding display that saw him score 22 points, nearly half of his team’s total points in the final.
The event attracted officials and stakeholders from the Delta State Ministry of Education, the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria School Sport Council Foundation (NCSF), and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
The Atlantic Conference champions now join winners from previous regional competitions. In the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, won the girls’ category, while Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, emerged boys’ champions. At the Central Conference, Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, claimed the girls’ title, while Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, secured the boys’ championship.
Attention now shifts to the Western Conference, the final regional stage of the competition, where more schools will battle for qualification to the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
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