Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State, and Davidhall International College, Lagos State, qualified for the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals after emerging champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories at the Western Conference.
This year’s championship attracted more than 13,000 school applications nationwide, underlining the growing popularity and impact of the competition on youth sports development in Nigeria.
Nine schools in each category battled for the final places available at the championship finale. In the girls’ competition, Ado Grammar School edged Lanreleke Academy of Osun State 53-49 in a closely contested final to qualify for the National Finals for the first time in the school’s history.
In the boys’ category, Davidhall International College claimed a dramatic 82-81 victory over God’s Blessings Comprehensive College of Oyo State to emerge Western Conference champions and book their place at the National Finals.
MILO Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Development
Speaking at the event, Category Manager, MILO, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, reiterated the brand’s commitment to youth development through sports.
“At MILO, we believe that sport is one of the most powerful tools for shaping character and building future leaders. Through the basketball championship, we continue to provide young people with opportunities to develop discipline, resilience, teamwork and determination—qualities that will serve them well beyond the court,” he said.
Akinola, Saleh Named MVPs
In the girls’ category, Miracle Akinola of Ado Grammar School was named the Most Valuable Player after an outstanding display in the final. Wearing jersey number 10, she scored 22 points, accounting for nearly half of her team’s total.
For the boys, Emmanuel Saleh of Davidhall International College earned MVP honours. The jersey number 7 contributed 19 points and played a pivotal role in his team’s narrow victory.
The event was attended by officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Education, representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), the National Council on School Sport (NCSS), and FIBA.
All Eyes on National Finals
The conclusion of the Western Conference completes the regional phase of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship.
Earlier regional winners included Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, and Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, who emerged champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories, respectively, at the Savannah Conference.
The Central Conference produced Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, as champions, while St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, claimed the Atlantic Conference titles.
With all regional champions now confirmed, attention turns to the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals, scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
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