Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, Niger State, emerged as champions of the 26th Nestlé MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship after impressive performances at the national finals in Lagos.
In the girls’ final, Government Secondary School, Gboko, dethroned defending champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa, with a convincing 68-36 victory to claim the national title.
Friday Victoria’s outstanding displays throughout the tournament earned her the Most Valuable Player award.
The boys’ title went to Father O’Connell Science College, which once again demonstrated its dominance in school basketball by overcoming King Amakree Academy of Obuama, Degema, Rivers State. Godswill Mene was named the boys’ Most Valuable Player after starring for the Niger State champions.
Earlier in the day, Ado Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, secured third place in the girls’ category with a 40-30 victory over Urhobo College, Delta State, while Davidhall International College, Obalende, Lagos, claimed bronze in the boys’ competition after defeating Urhobo College 51-43.
Reflecting on the championship, Nestlé Nigeria’s Category Lead for MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, described the tournament as a huge success, saying it had achieved its objective of using sports to shape young Nigerians beyond the classroom.
“This is exactly what we set out to achieve at MILO, to ensure we give Nigerian youth an opportunity to express themselves beyond academics,” he said.
According to him, basketball provides a platform to teach values that extend far beyond the game itself.
“Sports teach teamwork, resilience and never giving up. There are times you lose, there are times you cry, and there are times the glory comes. These are values we believe can be imparted to children beyond academics.”
Tweneboah-Koduah also emphasized the importance of inclusion, noting that children with special needs were fully integrated into the activities.
“Whether you are specially abled or not, sports cut across all, and we are very happy to leverage this platform to teach these values to Nigerian youth.”
He added that the 26th edition had exceeded expectations.
“This edition has been fantastic. We have received very positive feedback. People have noticed the elevation in the event, the activities, the energy and the atmosphere. We are not stopping here; there will be even better editions to come.”
Nigeria School Sport Federation President, Olabisi Joseph, also praised the tournament, describing the 26th edition in one word: “Awesome.”
She revealed that participation rose from nearly 13,000 schools last year to 13,256 schools this year, describing the championship as one of the country’s most impactful grassroots sports programmes.
“Beyond the contest, beyond the trophies and beyond the medals is the impact and the value being added to our kids. The values of discipline, teamwork and interaction cannot be overemphasized.”
Joseph highlighted how the championship united students from across Nigeria.
“These kids have been together for the past seven days, interacting and simply being Nigerians. This is exactly what we need at the grassroots to identify talent, teach values and encourage integration.”
She added that the competition intentionally combines education with sports through cultural exchanges that allow students to showcase their traditions.
“It is not just about sports. It is school and sport. It is education and sport. We want athletes who are educated and able to express themselves. This event has become a celebration of Nigeria’s diversity and unity.”
Joseph concluded by calling on more corporate organizations to support school sports, saying sustained investment would help keep young people positively engaged while producing future champions.
With another memorable edition concluded, the MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship has once again reinforced its reputation as Nigeria’s leading grassroots basketball competition, developing talent, promoting education and shaping the next generation of leaders through sport.
The post Government Secondary School, Gboko and Father O’Connell Science College Crowned Champions at 26th MILO Basketball Finals appeared first on Latest Sports News In Nigeria.