After months of competition that involved more than 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, MILO has named the twelve teams set to take part in the National Finals of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC), underlining its ongoing drive to use sport to strengthen young people’s confidence, resilience, discipline and leadership.
26th MSBC: from grassroots reach to national finals
Launched in 1999, the MILO School Basketball Championship has grown into one of Nigeria’s most enduring grassroots sports development programmes. It has expanded from an early stage featuring fewer than 500 schools to a national event that now draws participation from more than 13,000 secondary schools every year, giving young athletes a chance to sharpen their basketball skills while also building life capabilities to help them succeed beyond the court.
Finalists confirmed and group stage fixtures set
The twelve finalists were determined through qualification events held across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences. The finals will feature six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams competing for national honours, with the championship finals scheduled for 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. The National Draw—conducted during the event—set the fixtures for the group stage.
Boys’ groups
- Group A: Father O’Connell Science College (Niger State), King Amakree Academy (Rivers State), and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT).
- Group B: Davidhall International College (Lagos State), Family Support Programme Secondary School (Katsina State), and Urhobo College (Delta State).
Girls’ groups
- Group A: Lanreleke Academy (Osun State), St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa State), and Government Secondary School, Gboko (Benue State).
- Group B: Ado Grammar School (Ekiti State), Urhobo College (Delta State), and Government Girls College (Bauchi State).
Officials praise youth development push as tournament continues
Speaking at the event, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, took part through Commercial Director Boladale Odunlami, reiterating the company’s dedication to creating opportunities that support the overall growth of young Nigerians.
Odunlami highlighted the importance of the non-academic side of development, stressing that young people need chances to build teamwork, resilience, leadership and the confidence to overcome challenges. He added that the MILO School Basketball Championship continues to invest in sport as a pathway to produce not only skilled athletes, but also resilient, self-assured young leaders ready for success both on and off the court.
- The championship’s long-term influence was also linked to the emergence of prominent Nigerian basketball talents, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum and Nkechi Akashili, who have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally.
Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, Category Manager at MILO, reflected on the competition’s journey across its 26-year history. He said the tournament began with a straightforward goal: to provide a stage for young Nigerians to discover their abilities, grow in confidence and develop the qualities associated with champions, both during matches and in everyday life.
Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), praised Nestlé Nigeria for maintaining its commitment to youth development through sport. She pointed to the steady rise in participation as evidence of the value the championship brings to schools and communities across the country, noting that it repeatedly gives young people opportunities to compete, learn, build confidence and develop traits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. She also commended Nestlé Nigeria for its consistency and long-term dedication to supporting young Nigerians through sport.
The event was attended by Lanre Balogun, General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), and Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, representing the National Association of Special Educators. Coaches, teachers, participating schools, media partners and other key stakeholders were also present.
Road to the finals: group matches, clinics and matchday schedule
The pathway to the National Finals is already in motion. Group stage matches began on 27 June 2026 and are continuing alongside a Coaching Clinic and Vibes Day, which are intended to support the development of both young athletes and their coaches.
The tournament will reach its climax in the National Finals on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
