King Amachree Academy in Rivers State claimed the boys’ title by defeating Father O’Connell 56-54 in a nail-biting final, while Government Secondary School, Gboko, in Benue State overpowered St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, 68-36 to win the girls’ championship as both teams were crowned at the National Finals of the 26th Milo School Basketball Championship. The tournament took place on Thursday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The boys’ decider was decided late, with King Amachree Academy resisting pressure from Father O’Connell, the defending champions, to secure victory by two points. Davidhall International from Ikoyi, Lagos, earned third place in the boys’ event, while the representative from Delta State finished fourth.
In the girls’ final, Gboko set the tone early and built a substantial advantage over St. Jude’s. The contest ended with a comfortable win for the Benue side. Ado Grammar School in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, took third place, and the Delta State representative placed fourth.
Prize money was awarded to the top three teams, with champions receiving 3 million naira, runners-up handed 2 million naira, and third-placed schools awarded 1.5 million naira.
Gboko player Okoli Blessing Uju said the team’s success was the result of months of difficult preparation, citing problems related to transport, meals and accommodation. She also revealed that Benue State’s Commissioner for Sports had promised an overseas trip for the team if they won, describing the incentive as a major boost to their motivation.
Nestlé Nigeria Plc managing director Wassim Elhusseini presented the trophies and cheques to the winning schools, supported by Nigerian School Sport Federation president Bisi Joseph and Nestlé Nigeria beverages category manager Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah. Elhusseini said the competition, now running for 26 years, has helped give young Nigerians a stage to develop discipline, teamwork and resilience alongside their basketball skills.
