The 25th anniversary edition of the MILO Basketball Championship concluded in grand style at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, with Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, and Government Secondary School (GSS) Karu, FCT, emerging as national champions in the male and female categories, respectively.
The national finals brought together the top secondary school basketball teams from across Nigeria in a thrilling showcase of sporting excellence and youth empowerment. This milestone edition underscored the tournament’s remarkable legacy, which this year alone has impacted students in over 13,000 schools nationwide.
In a fiercely contested male category final, Father O’Connell Science College clinched their third championship title, edging out Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with a narrow 66–64 victory. The win further solidifies their reputation as one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.
In the female category, Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ile-Ogbo, Osun State, 55–42, securing their first-ever national title. The triumph was particularly meaningful for the team, having finished as runners-up on three previous occasions. Their long-awaited victory marks a defining moment in their journey.
Speaking on behalf of Wassim El-Husseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager, applauded the athletes and praised the coaches for their commitment to developing young talent. He reaffirmed Nestlé’s purpose behind the MILO Basketball Championship: “For 25 years, we’ve remained committed to growing champions through sport.
The MILO Basketball Championship has supported hundreds of thousands of young athletes—some of whom have gone on to play on international stages and earn scholarships.
Look at Rueben Abuchi, now at the University of Florida and an NCAA National Champion with the Florida Gators, or Murjanatu Musa, recently drafted into the WNBA and playing for the Phoenix Mercury.
They started with MILO—and they soared. But this isn’t just about creating stars on the court. It’s about building champions in life. That’s why we remain committed—not just as sponsors, but as partners in purpose,” he said.
Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager, Beverages, added: “This championship has become a powerful symbol of how the MILO Basketball Championship empowers boys and girls across Nigeria to discover their strength, showcase their talent, and unlock their full potential.
We're not just crowning champions—we’re marking 25 years of transformation, purpose, and impact.
Every child who steps onto a MILO basketball court is building the mindset, discipline, and resilience to succeed—not just in sport, but in life.”
A notable highlight of this year’s tournament was the inclusion of a special match for young individuals with disabilities—demonstrating the championship’s deep commitment to inclusivity and Nestlé’s mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to participate and thrive.
Both winning teams received trophies, cash prizes, full basketball kits, and MILO products. Their victory at this landmark 25th edition cements their place in the legacy of Nigeria’s largest grassroots youth basketball platform.
As it celebrates 25 years of impact, the MILO Basketball Championship continues to stand as a flagship youth development program, reflecting Nestlé Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to nurturing talent, promoting healthy lifestyles, and inspiring the next generation of champions—on and off the court.