Taraba, Katsina win Savannah finals as Milo Basketball Championship begins

The 26th edition of the Milo Basketball Championship officially tipped off with the conclusion of the Savannah Conference regional finals at the Sanni Abacha Indoor Sports Hall in Kano.

Delivering the opening address on behalf of Category Manager Gilbert Tweneboah, Opeyemi Jaiyeola, Category Development Manager, reflected on the remarkable growth of the championship since its inception in 1999.

“What started with fewer than 500 schools has grown into a national movement, now engaging over 12,000 schools annually. This growth is not by chance. It’s a result of dedication, consistency, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strength and reach their full potential,” she said.

In the girls’ final, Government Secondary School Zing of Taraba State defeated Government Girls College Unity School, Bauchi, 53-43 in a thrilling contest. Zing’s Happy Sylvester emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after an outstanding display that saw her score 38 points.

The boys’ final produced another dramatic encounter as Family Support Programme, Katsina edged Government Secondary School Numan of Adamawa State 64-63. Friday Emmanuel was named the boys’ MVP after contributing 22 vital points to secure the narrow victory for the Katsina side.

The event attracted dignitaries from the Kano State Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, media representatives, Olympic Commission officials, and key stakeholders, including NSSF, NCSF, and FIBA.

Attention now shifts to the Central Region Finals scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of Mogadishu Barracks, where teams will battle for qualification to the National Finals in Lagos this July.
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