Joyce Onwuka
Following months of competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, MILO has unveiled the twelve 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 over 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.
The twelve 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 honors at the championship finals, scheduled to hold on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The National Draws, conducted during the event, determined the group stage fixtures for the championship.
In the boys’ category, Group A comprises Father O’Connell Science College (Niger State), King Amakree Academy (Rivers State), and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT). Group B features Davidhall International College (Lagos State), Family Support Programme Secondary School (Katsina State), and Urhobo College (Delta State).
In the girls’ category, Group A consists of Lanreleke Academy (Osun State), St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa State), and Government Secondary School, Gboko (Benue State). Group B includes Ado Grammar School (Ekiti State), Urhobo College (Delta State), and 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 resilient, confident young leaders who are prepared for success both on and off the court,” he said.
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 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), 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 currently underway, with the group stage matches, which commenced 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, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.