New Teams Join the Excitement as MILO Basketball Celebrates 26 Years

New finalists from Katsina, Ekiti, and Taraba have become hot topics ahead of the 26th edition of the Nestlé MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship. This highlights how much the competition is growing as one of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots sports programs.

Twelve teams, which include six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams, will gather in Lagos starting Friday for the national finals. Defending champions Father O’Connell Science College from Niger State lead the boys’ category.

The rise of new states making their first appearances at the national finals adds excitement to this year's tournament.

During the championship’s press conference and draw ceremony in Lagos on Wednesday, Bisi Joseph, the President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), mentioned that the entry of new teams shows the competition's steady growth across Nigeria.

"We have new states coming on board," she said. "We have Katsina coming to the finals; we have Ekiti coming to the finals. And even at the conference level, we had the likes of Taraba playing at the finals, which is unusual. It shows the extent of growth that we have in the Nestlé Milo Basketball Championship."

Joseph also welcomed back established school basketball teams.

"Government Secondary School, Gboko used to win back-to-back and even represented Nigeria at international school events," Joseph said. "And we are happy that they are back this time."

The championship started in 1999 and has become one of Africa’s most enduring school sports events. Nestlé Nigeria reports that it now connects with over 30,000 schools each year.

Mrs. Joseph shared that this year attracted 13,256 registered schools nationwide, with only 12 teams making it to the national finals.

Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Nestlé Nigeria’s MILO Category Manager, stated that the company is dedicated to youth development through grassroots sports.

"At Nestlé Nigeria, our core purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone, both today and for generations to come," Mr. Tweneboah-Koduah said. "Supporting the growth and development of children through grassroots platforms like the Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship is one of the primary ways we bring this commitment to life."

Boladale Odunlami, Nestlé’s commercial manager, who represented the company's managing director at the event, said the championship has grown into more than just a sports competition.

"It is a platform where young Nigerians can discover their talent, build confidence and develop the values needed to become champions both on and off the court," Mr. Odunlami said. "Over the years, that ambition has grown into dynamic partnerships and collaboration with sports stakeholders, bringing together young athletes, schools, coaches, teachers, and families across the country."

Many players who came through the championship have gone on to compete internationally, including Precious Achonwa, Chimezie Metu, and Oluchi Ogbu.

For Mr. Tweneboah-Koduah, the competition’s greatest impact goes beyond basketball.

"Beyond the trophies, what matters most is the confidence these young people gain from discovering that they are capable of achieving more than they ever imagined," Tweneboah-Koduah said. "When a young person unlocks their potential, that impact extends far beyond the basketball court, influencing how they approach their education, future careers, and their broader contribution to society."

Mr. Odunlami also praised the coaches, teachers, and parents who support the athletes on their journeys.

"Behind each performance lies the journey behind everything, the countless hours of practice before and after school, the coaches who continue to guide these young athletes, the teachers and parents who provide support, and the players who learn that progress comes through consistency, teamwork, and resilience," he said.

The NSSF president emphasized that the national finalists now represent entire regions.

"These teams are no longer representing just their school, and not just their state, they are representing their region," she said. "So it is expected that they will play hard, play fair, and the best team will emerge as champion."

She also remembered the thrilling finishes seen during the regional qualifiers.

"We should expect a similar experience," Joseph said. "For the match between Katsina and Adamawa, we were almost on our feet all through, we witnessed matches that ended at the last second with one point winning."

The championship continues to promote inclusion through its partnership with the National Association of Special Educators (NASET).

Olusola Okanlawon, representing the association, said sports are vital for students with disabilities.

"There is ability in disability," Mr. Okanlawon said, highlighting the story of Temitope Victoria, a former participant who competed at the Paralympic Games. "We will continue to partner with Nestlé Nigeria PLC to showcase the talent of our students."

NSSF Secretary Funsho Oba Usman said educational and mentoring activities are key to the championship.

"We equally have the educational moment where we have ex-internationals to talk to the children, to mentor them," Mr. Usman said. "Education is as important as the sport they are getting. So, this is part of the things we do."

Mrs. Joseph encouraged the players before the finals.

"You are champions already," she said. "The values that you take away from participating in this event already make you a champion. The fact that you are now at the National Finals already makes you a champion."

Mr. Tweneboah-Koduah ended with a message to all participants.

"To every young athlete competing: whether or not you lift the trophy, the habits you build, the friendships you form, and the values you embrace here will shape your future long after this tournament concludes," he said.

The championship has the backing of the Nigerian School Sports Federation, the Nigerian Basketball Federation, the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation, and the federal and state ministries of Education, Youth, and Sports.

Competition kicks off on Friday with Lanlereke Academy facing St. Jude Girls Secondary School in the opening girls’ match. Later that day, defending boys’ champions Father O’Connell Science College will take on King Amakree Academy.