History was written at the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals as King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko, Benue State, clinched their maiden national titles, reinforcing the competition’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier platform for nurturing young basketball talent.
The thrilling finals, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, brought together top-performing teams from across the country, including four conference champions and two outstanding runners-up. After a fiercely contested group stage, the best teams advanced to the finals, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that crowned two new champions.
In the girls’ final, GSS Gboko delivered a commanding performance, overpowering multiple-time champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, with a resounding 68–36 victory. The win marked the school’s first national title, capping off an exceptional tournament run. Ada Friday, who wore jersey No. 6, emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the girls’ competition.
The boys’ final was equally electrifying, with King Amakree Academy edging past defending champions Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, in a nail-biting 56–54 victory. The triumph secured the Rivers State school’s first-ever national title. Godswill Mene, jersey No. 8, was named the boys’ tournament MVP for his standout performance.
For over two decades, the MILO Basketball Championship has remained a cornerstone of grassroots basketball development in Nigeria. The 2026 edition engaged more than 13,000 secondary schools nationwide, spanning the Savannah, Central, Atlantic, and Western Conferences, underscoring its far-reaching impact and commitment to youth development.
Beyond competition, the championship continues to instil vital life values such as discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence. This year’s emergence of two first-time champions highlighted the competition’s core message — that every young Nigerian, regardless of background, has the potential to succeed.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim ElHusseini, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development through sports.
“At Nestlé Nigeria, Creating Shared Value is at the heart of our business. For 26 years, the MILO Basketball Championship has gone beyond sports to shape character, build resilience, and nurture future leaders. We remain committed to creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential,” he said.
Also speaking, Category Lead for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, described the tournament as a powerful reflection of opportunity and inclusion.
“Seeing new champions emerge proves that every child can achieve greatness when given the right platform. This is what MILO stands for — helping young people discover their potential, build character, and pursue their dreams,” he stated.
In a show of inclusivity, the championship also featured a wheelchair basketball exhibition match involving young para-athletes, reinforcing MILO’s commitment to equal opportunity in sports.
Winners were rewarded with trophies, cash prizes, basketball kits, and MILO products in recognition of their excellence.
As King Amakree Academy and GSS Gboko join the growing list of champions, the MILO Basketball Championship continues to shape the future of Nigerian sports, empowering young talents to thrive both on and off the court. Alongside the MILO Building Champs initiative, which impacted about 7 million children in 2025 through school-based physical activities, the championship remains a vital force in promoting active lifestyles, character development, and youth empowerment across Nigeria.
