Bayelsa, Rivers schools win big at MILO Basketball Conference

St. Jude Girls Secondary School in Amarata, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy in Rivers State have won the girls’ and boys’ categories at the Atlantic Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship.

The tournament took place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. Nine schools in each category competed for a chance to qualify for the national finals.

In the girls’ final, St. Jude Girls Secondary School showed great skill to beat Urhobo College 46-25 and secure their spot in the championship. For the boys, King Amakree Academy narrowly defeated Urhobo College 47-44 in a thrilling match to claim the title.

The Atlantic Conference is the third regional stage of the championship. It has become a key event for finding and developing young basketball talent across Nigeria.

Organisers mentioned that over 13,000 schools applied to take part in this year's championship. This shows how popular the competition has become and how it supports youth development through sports.

Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, the Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, spoke at the event. He said the championship is an important platform for teaching values like discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-belief to 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, work as a team, and rise above challenges," he said.

"We are proud to continue supporting a platform that helps young people turn their passion into purpose."

Individual achievements were also celebrated at the tournament. In the girls’ category, Anthonia Obokawe from St. Jude Girls Secondary School was named the Most Valuable Player after scoring 12 points in her team's win.

In the boys’ category, Edmund Hart from King Amakree Academy won the Most Valuable Player award for his excellent performance, scoring 22 points in the final.

The event saw participation from officials of the Delta State Ministry of Education, as well as representatives from the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), the Nigeria Council of School Sport Federation (NCSF), and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Champions have already emerged from the Savannah and Central Conferences on the way to the national finals. Government Secondary School, Zing in Taraba State, and Family Support Programme Secondary School in Katsina State won the girls’ and boys’ titles in the Savannah Conference. Government Secondary School, Gboko in Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College in Niger State were the champions in the Central Conference.

Attention now turns to the Western Conference, the last regional qualifier, ahead of the national finals of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship set for 2 July at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.