St. Jude Girls Secondary School, King Amakree Academy Clinch MILO Atlantic Conference Basketball Titles

 St. Jude Girls Secondary School, King Amakree Academy Clinch MILO Atlantic Conference Basketball Titles

St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, have emerged champions of the Atlantic Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship, securing their places among the regional winners as the race to the national finals gathers momentum.

St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, emerged champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively at the Atlantic Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

The Atlantic Conference marked the third regional stage of the championship, with nine schools in each category competing for a coveted place at the national finals. At the end of the competition, St. Jude Girls Secondary School defeated Urhobo College 46–25 to claim the girls’ title, while King Amakree Academy edged Urhobo College 47–44 in a thrilling boys’ final.

For 26 years, the MILO Basketball Championship has served as a platform for youth development through sports, promoting values such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence among young Nigerians. This year’s edition attracted applications from more than 13,000 schools nationwide, underscoring the growing popularity and impact of the tournament.

Speaking at the event, the Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, emphasized the championship’s role in shaping the future of young athletes.

“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.

Individual excellence was also celebrated during the competition. In the girls’ category, Anthonia Obokawe of St. Jude Girls Secondary School was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after scoring 12 points in her team’s victorious outing.

In the boys’ category, Edmund Hart of King Amakree Academy earned the MVP award following an outstanding performance in which he contributed 22 points to his team’s winning tally of 47 points.

The event attracted dignitaries from the Delta State Ministry of Education, as well as representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria Colleges Sport Federation (NCSF), and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The championship has already produced winners from other regional conferences. At the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, won the girls’ category, while Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, emerged champions in the boys’ category.

Similarly, at the Central Conference, Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, secured the girls’ title, while Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, claimed victory in the boys’ category.

With the conclusion of the Atlantic Conference, attention now shifts to the Western Conference, the final regional stage of the competition. Successful teams will earn qualification for the 26th MILO Basketball Championship National Finals scheduled to hold on July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Organisers say the championship remains a vital platform for discovering and nurturing young basketball talents while fostering educational and personal development through sport.