Davidhall International College in Lagos State and Ado Grammar School in Ekiti State have been crowned champions of the boys’ and girls’ competitions at the Western Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship, earning their tickets to the National Finals scheduled for July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
In a closely fought boys’ decider, Davidhall overcame God’s Blessings Comprehensive College from Oyo State 82–81. On the girls’ side, Ado Grammar School secured a 53–49 win over Lanlereke Academy of Osun State to claim the title, with the triumph marking the school’s first time qualifying for the National Finals.
Davidhall guard Emmanuel Saleh, wearing jersey No. 7, was named the boys’ Most Valuable Player after scoring 19 points out of his team’s 82-total. For the girls, Miracle Akinola of Ado Grammar School, in jersey No. 10, took home the MVP honour by contributing 22 points to her side’s 53.
Nine schools took part in each category during the Western Conference, which functioned as the fourth and final regional stop in the championship.
Speaking at the event, MILO Category Manager at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, said basketball and sport more broadly continue to serve as a key vehicle for shaping character among young people. He added that the tournament provides opportunities to build discipline, resilience and teamwork—skills that extend well beyond the court.
Officials present included representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Education, the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), the National Council on School Sport (NCSS), and FIBA.
With the Western Conference concluded, the full set of regional qualifiers for the National Finals is now complete.
The earlier conferences produced their own champions: the Savannah Conference crowned Government Secondary School, Zing in Taraba State for the girls, and Family Support Programme Secondary School in Katsina State for the boys. In the Central Conference, Government Secondary School, Gboko in Benue State were champions for the girls, while Father O’Connell Science College in Niger State took the boys’ title. The Atlantic Conference winners were St. Jude Girls Secondary School in Bayelsa State for the girls and King Amakree Academy in Rivers State for the boys.
Organisers stated that more than 13,000 schools across the country submitted applications to take part in the championship.
