12 schools set for MILO School Basketball Championship national finals in Lagos

Twelve schools will compete for the top prize at the National Finals of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship in Lagos.

Since its launch in 1999, the MILO School Basketball Championship has grown into one of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots sports development initiatives. What began with fewer than 500 participating schools has evolved into a national competition involving over 13,000 secondary schools annually, providing young athletes with opportunities to develop both their basketball talents and essential life skills.

12 schools qualify for national finals

The finalists emerged from qualifying competitions across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences.

Six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams will battle for national honours at the championship finals on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The National Draw determined the group-stage fixtures.

Boys

Group A

Father O’Connell Science College (Niger State)
King Amakree Academy (Rivers State)
Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT)

Group B

Davidhall International College (Lagos State)
Family Support Programme Secondary School (Katsina State)
Urhobo College (Delta State)

Girls

Group A

Lanreleke Academy (Osun State)
St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa State)
Government Secondary School, Gboko (Benue State)

Group B

Ado Grammar School (Ekiti State)
Urhobo College (Delta State)
Government Girls College (Bauchi State)Nestlé reaffirms commitment to youth development

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, represented by Commercial Director Boladale Odunlami, said the company remains committed to creating opportunities that promote the holistic development of young Nigerians.

“We know that the future of any nation is shaped by the confidence, character and opportunities we provide to its young people today,” he said.

“Beyond academic knowledge, young people need opportunities to develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, leadership and the ability to overcome challenges. 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.”

Odunlami noted that the championship has helped produce several Nigerian basketball stars, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum and Nkechi Akashili, who have represented the country internationally.

Celebrating 26 years of impact

Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, MILO category manager, reflected on the competition’s journey over the past 26 years.

“Twenty-six years ago, the MILO School Basketball Championship began with a simple ambition—to create a platform where young Nigerians could discover their talents, build confidence and develop the values needed to become champions, both on and off the court,” he said.

President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph, praised Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained investment in grassroots sports.

“The continued growth in participation reflects the value this championship brings to schools and communities across Nigeria,” she said.

“Year after year, it provides young people with opportunities to compete, learn, build confidence and develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We commend Nestlé Nigeria for its consistency and long-term commitment to youth development through sport.”

The championship, which began with group-stage matches on 27 June, also features a coaching clinic and Vibes Day aimed at developing young athletes and coaches before culminating in the National Finals on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.