The road to the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals gathered momentum with the successful conclusion of the Atlantic Conference at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, where St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, emerged champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories.
For 26 years, MILO has remained committed to youth development through school sports, using basketball as a platform to instil discipline, teamwork, resilience and confidence in young people. This year’s championship attracted applications from more than 13,000 schools nationwide, underscoring the competition’s growing impact and popularity.
Champions emerge after intense competition
Nine schools in each category battled for the two coveted tickets to the National Finals, with only the conference champions progressing.
In the girls’ final, St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, defeated Urhobo College 46-25 to secure the Atlantic Conference crown.
King Amakree Academy of Rivers State clinched the boys’ title after edging Urhobo College 47-44 in a closely contested final.
MILO reaffirms commitment to youth development
Speaking at the event, Category Manager, MILO, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, highlighted the championship’s role in shaping future leaders through sports.
“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.
Obokawe and Hart named MVPs
In the girls’ category, Anthonia Obokawe of St. Jude Girls Secondary School was named the Most Valuable Player after scoring 12 points in her team’s championship-winning performance.
In the boys’ category, Edmund Hart of King Amakree Academy earned MVP honours after an outstanding display that saw him contribute 22 points to his side’s 47-point total.
The championship was attended by officials from the Delta State Ministry of Education as well as representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCSF) and FIBA.
National Finals draw closer
The journey to the National Finals has already seen champions emerge from other regional conferences.
In the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, won the girls’ title, while Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, claimed the boys’ crown.
Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, emerged champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively at the Central Conference.
With the Atlantic Conference now concluded, attention shifts to the Western Conference, the final regional qualifying stage before the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals, scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
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