26th MILO School Basketball Championship Brings Nigeria’s Best Young Talent to the National Finals

Following months of competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, MILO has unveiled the 12 schools that will compete at the National Finals of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to using sport as a platform to help young people build confidence, resilience, discipline, and leadership.

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 platform that reaches more than 13,000 secondary schools annually, creating opportunities for young athletes to develop both their sporting abilities and the life skills needed to succeed beyond the basketball court.

L–R: Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, National Association of Special Educators; Mr. Lanre Balogun, Secretary General, National Collegiate Sports Foundation (NCSF); Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President, Nigerian School Sport Federation (NSSF); Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, MILO; and Mr. Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Director, Nestlé Nigeria Plc.

The 12 finalist schools emerged after qualifying competitions across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic, and Western Conferences. Six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams will now compete for national honours at the championship finals, scheduled for 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The National Draw, conducted during the event, determined the group-stage fixtures for the championship.

Boys’ Category

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’ Category

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)

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, represented by Commercial Director Boladale Odunlami, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating opportunities that support 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. Beyond academic knowledge, young people need opportunities to develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the ability to overcome challenges and lead with confidence. That is why, through the MILO School Basketball Championship, we continue to invest in sport as a platform for developing not only talented athletes but also resilient, confident young leaders who are prepared for success both on and off the court.”

He noted that the championship has contributed to the development of several outstanding Nigerian basketball players, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum, and Nkechi Akashili, who have gone on to represent Nigeria on the international stage, demonstrating the long-term impact of sustained investment in grassroots sports.

Category Manager, MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, reflected on the championship’s 26-year journey.

“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.”

President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, commended Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained commitment to youth development through sports.

The continued growth in participation reflects the value this championship brings to schools and communities across Nigeria. 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 event was attended by Lanre Balogun, General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), and Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, representing the National Association of Special Educators, alongside coaches, teachers, participating schools, media partners, and other key stakeholders.

The road to the National Finals is already underway, with group-stage matches, which began on 27 June 2026, continuing alongside a Coaching Clinic and Vibes Day designed to support the development of young athletes and coaches.

The championship will culminate in the National Finals on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where Nigeria’s brightest young basketball talents will compete for national glory.