Historic Triumph: King Amakree Academy, GSS Gboko Crowned First-Time Champions at 26th MILO Basketball Championship
Two schools etched their names into Nigerian basketball history on Wednesday as King Amakree Academy of Rivers State and Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko, Benue State, emerged first-time national champions at the 26th edition of the MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC).
The thrilling National Finals, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, showcased the very best of grassroots basketball in Nigeria, with the country’s brightest young talents battling for national honours after months of fierce competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across the four conference zones.
The championship culminated in two memorable finals that produced new champions and signalled the arrival of a new generation of basketball excellence.
In the girls’ final, GSS Gboko delivered a commanding performance to overwhelm multiple-time champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, 68-36. The emphatic victory secured the Benue school’s maiden national title and capped a remarkable unbeaten campaign.
Their dominance was rewarded further as Ada Friday, who wore jersey No. 6, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) after a series of outstanding performances throughout the championship.
The boys’ final provided even greater drama as King Amakree Academy edged defending champions Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, 56-54 in a pulsating contest decided in the closing moments. The narrow victory handed the Rivers State school its first-ever national championship, ending Father O’Connell’s reign and announcing King Amakree Academy as Nigeria’s newest basketball powerhouse.
Godswill Mene,Wearing jersey No 8,emerged as the boy’s tournament MVP after inspiring his side with exceptional performances during the competition.
For over two decades, the MILO School Basketball Championship has remained Nigeria’s premier grassroots basketball tournament, serving as a launch pad for young athletes while nurturing values that extend far beyond the court. This year’s championship drew participation from more than 13,000 secondary schools across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences before the country’s top teams converged on Lagos for the National Finals.
Beyond the trophies, the championship continues to shape future leaders by promoting discipline, resilience, teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the finals, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim ElHusseini, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development through sport.
“At Nestlé Nigeria, Creating Shared Value is at the heart of how we do business. We believe our success is closely connected to the well-being of the communities we serve. That is why we continue to invest in initiatives like the MILO Basketball Championship, creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.
“For 26 years, this championship has been about more than basketball. It has been a platform where young people learn discipline, teamwork, resilience and self-belief. These are qualities that not only make better athletes but also help shape responsible leaders and stronger communities,” he said.
Also speaking, Category Lead for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, described this year’s edition as proof that determination and opportunity can transform dreams into reality.
“This year’s championship is a powerful reminder of what the MILO Basketball Championship stands for. At MILO, we believe every child has the potential to achieve something great when given the right support and opportunity.
“Seeing two schools become national champions for the first time shows that every participating team has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they come from or their history in the competition. It reinforces our commitment to providing a platform where young people can discover their potential, build character and realise their dreams through sport,” he said.
In a demonstration of its commitment to inclusivity, the championship also featured a wheelchair basketball exhibition involving young para-athletes, underscoring MILO’s belief that every child deserves the opportunity to participate and excel.
The newly crowned champions received trophies, cash prizes, basketball kits and MILO products in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
As King Amakree Academy and GSS Gboko celebrate their historic breakthrough, their victories have added a fresh chapter to the rich legacy of the MILO School Basketball Championship—a competition that continues to discover champions, inspire dreams and develop future leaders through the transformative power of sport.
Together with the MILO Building Champs initiative, which reached about seven million children through school-based physical activity programmes in 2025, the championship remains one of Nestlé Nigeria’s flagship investments in nurturing healthier, more confident and resilient young Nigerians.
FLYING BEYOND LIMITS: A group of Legacy Cheer Nigeria electrifies the 26th Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship Grand Finale in Lagos with breathtaking energy, precision, and the unstoppable spirit of champions in Lagos Photos Akeem Salau
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