MILO Atlantic Conference Ends with Victory for Bayelsa’s St. Jude Girls and Rivers’ King Amakree Academy

MILO Atlantic Conference Ends with Victory for Bayelsa’s St. Jude Girls and Rivers’ King Amakree Academy

ASABA, DELTA STATE – St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, have emerged champions of the Atlantic Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship, securing coveted spots at the national finals.

The regional finals, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, marked the third conference stage of the nationwide championship, which continues to serve as a platform for nurturing young talents through sports.

For 26 years, the MILO Basketball Championship has remained a cornerstone of youth development in Nigeria, promoting values such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. This year’s edition recorded over 13,000 school applications nationwide, underscoring the growing popularity and impact of the tournament.

Nine schools in both the boys’ and girls’ categories battled for qualification to the national finals, with only the conference champions earning advancement.

In the girls’ final, St. Jude Girls Secondary School delivered a commanding performance to defeat Urhobo College 46-25 and claim the Atlantic Conference title. In the boys’ category, King Amakree Academy edged Urhobo College 47-44 in a thrilling encounter to emerge champions.

Speaking at the event, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians 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, work as a team, and rise above challenges. At MILO, we are proud to continue supporting a platform that helps young people turn their passion into purpose,” he said.

Individual excellence was also recognised during the competition. Anthonia Obokawe of St. Jude Girls Secondary School was named the Girls’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) after contributing 12 points to her team’s winning tally of 46 points.

In the boys’ category, Edmund Hart of King Amakree Academy earned the MVP award after an outstanding display that saw him score 22 points in his team’s narrow victory.

The tournament attracted dignitaries from the Delta State Ministry of Education, alongside representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Nigeria Customs Service Foundation (NCSF), and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The road to the national finals has already produced champions from previous regional conferences. Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, and Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, won the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively at the Savannah Conference. At the Central Conference, Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, emerged champions.

Attention now shifts to the Western Conference, the final regional qualifying stage, where schools will compete for the remaining places at the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals scheduled to hold on July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

With the Atlantic Conference concluded, the stage is set for an exciting climax as Nigeria’s brightest young basketball talents prepare to battle for national glory.