26th MILO School Basketball Championship Reaches National Finals as 12 Schools Battle for Glory in Lagos
After months of fierce competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC) has reached its climax, with 12 outstanding schools qualifying for the National Finals scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The 26th edition of the MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC) has entered its final stage, bringing together Nigeria's brightest young basketball talents after months of nationwide competition involving over 13,000 secondary schools.
The championship, one of Nigeria's longest-running grassroots sports development initiatives, has continued to expand since its inception in 1999. From fewer than 500 participating schools at launch, the tournament now provides thousands of young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their sporting talents while building valuable life skills such as leadership, resilience, teamwork and discipline.
The 12 finalist schools emerged from qualifying competitions across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences. Six boys' teams and six girls' teams will compete for national honours at the championship finals on July 2, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The National Draws conducted ahead of the finals produced the group stage fixtures.
In the boys' category, Group A features Father O'Connell Science College (Niger State), King Amakree Academy (Rivers State) and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT). Group B comprises 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), while 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 the company's Commercial Director, Boladale Odunlami, reaffirmed the company's commitment to nurturing young Nigerians through sports.
He said the future of every nation depends on the confidence, character and opportunities provided to young people, noting that beyond academic excellence, sports help young people develop teamwork, resilience, leadership and the ability to overcome challenges.
According to him, the MILO School Basketball Championship remains a platform for producing not only talented athletes but also confident and resilient young leaders prepared for success both on and off the court.
Elhusseini added that the competition has helped produce several Nigerian basketball stars, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum and Nkechi Akashili, who have represented the country on the international stage.
Also speaking, Category Manager for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, described the championship as a platform created 26 years ago to help young Nigerians discover their talents, build confidence and develop values that make them champions in sports and life.
President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, commended Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained investment in grassroots sports, noting that the championship has consistently created opportunities for students across the country to compete, learn and build confidence.
She said the increasing level of participation demonstrates the value the competition continues to bring to schools and communities nationwide.
The event was attended by the General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), Lanre Balogun; Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, representing the National Association of Special Educators; alongside coaches, teachers, participating schools, media partners and other stakeholders.
Ahead of the grand finale, the championship has featured group stage matches, which began on June 27, as well as coaching clinics and a Vibes Day aimed at supporting the development of young athletes and coaches.
The competition will culminate in the National Finals on July 2, where Nigeria's next generation of basketball stars will battle for national honours in Lagos.
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