After months of intense competition involving over 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, MILO has announced the 12 schools that will battle for glory at the national finals of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC). The tournament continues to reflect the brand’s long-term dedication to using sport as a tool for nurturing confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership among young people.
Since its inception in 1999, the MILO School Basketball Championship has grown into one of the country’s most enduring grassroots sports development programs. What started with fewer than 500 schools has expanded into a nationwide platform engaging more than 13,000 secondary schools every year, offering students the chance to develop athletic talent alongside essential life skills that extend beyond the basketball court.
The 12 qualifying schools emerged from regional contests across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic, and Western Conferences. The finalists—six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams—will now compete for national honors at the grand finale scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The official draws held during the event determined the group stage matchups.
In the boys’ category, Group A includes Father 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).
For 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 draw ceremony, the Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Wassim Elhusseini—represented by Commercial Director Boladale Odunlami—reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and holistic development.
He noted that building the future of any nation requires more than academic learning, emphasizing the importance of equipping young people with teamwork, leadership, resilience, and confidence to overcome challenges. According to him, the MILO School Basketball Championship continues to serve as a platform for developing not just skilled athletes, but well-rounded young leaders prepared for success in life.
He also highlighted the competition’s legacy in shaping notable Nigerian basketball talents such as Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum, and Nkechi Akashili, who have gone on to represent the country on international stages.
Category Manager for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, also reflected on the championship’s 26-year journey, describing its original vision as creating a space where young Nigerians can discover their talents, build confidence, and embrace values that prepare them for success on and off the court.
The President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, commended Nestlé Nigeria for its consistent investment in youth development through sports, noting that the championship continues to provide meaningful opportunities for students nationwide to learn, grow, and compete.
Other attendees included Lanre Balogun, General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), and Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, representing the National Association of Special Educators, along with coaches, educators, media partners, and other stakeholders.
The road to the finals is already in motion, with group stage matches beginning on June 27, 2026, alongside supporting activities such as a coaching clinic and Vibes Day designed to enhance player and coach development.
The championship will ultimately conclude with the national finals on July 2, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
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