Precious Obogo
The 26th edition of the MILO Basketball Championship continued with the successful conclusion of the Central Conference regional finals, where Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, emerged champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively.
For 26 years, MILO has remained committed to youth development through school sports, using basketball as a platform to inspire discipline, teamwork, resilience and confidence among young people. Through the championship, MILO continues to create opportunities for students across Nigeria to discover their potential, build character and pursue excellence both on and off the court.
This year, over 13,000 schools applied to participate in the MILO Basketball Championship nationwide, reflecting the continued growth and relevance of the platform. At the Central Conference regional finals, seven schools competed for a place at the National Finals. Government Secondary School, Gboko, won the girls’ category with a 63–31 victory over Nigeria Defence Academy Staff Secondary School, Kaduna State, while Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, won the boys’ category after a hard-fought 56–53 win over Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp, Abuja.
The opening remarks were delivered by the MILO Sports Marketing Manager, Mrs. Funmilola Oyewole, on behalf of the Category Manager, Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah. In his address, Mr. Tweneboah-Koduah highlighted the role of the championship in inspiring young athletes to pursue excellence beyond the game.
“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.
Friday Victoria Ada of Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, was named the Most Valuable Player in the girls’ category. Wearing jersey number 13, she contributed 25 points out of her team’s 63 points, playing a key role in their victory.
In the boys’ category, Idris Mohamed of Father O’Connell College, Niger State, was named Most Valuable Player. Wearing jersey number 5, he delivered an impressive performance, contributing 20 points out of his team’s 56 points.
The Central Conference is the second of four regional conferences in the 26th MILO Basketball Championship. With the Savannah and Central Conferences now concluded, the championship will move to the Atlantic Conference, where nine schools each in the boys’ and girls’ categories will compete for a chance to join the race to the National Finals.
At the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, emerged champions in the girls’ category, while Family Support Programme School, Katsina State, won the boys’ category. Together with the Central Conference champions, they form part of the growing list of regional winners heading towards the grand finale.
The event was attended by dignitaries from FCT ministries, as well as representatives from NSSF, NCSF and FIBA.
The winning teams from the Central Conference will advance to the National Finals, scheduled to hold in Lagos on July 2, 2026, where they will compete with other regional champions for the ultimate title.