Thrilling MILO Basketball National Finals Kick Off in Lagos as Father O’Connell Defends Title!

The highly anticipated 2026 MILO National Secondary Schools Basketball Championship finals are set to commence in Lagos, bringing together the nation's premier boys' and girls' school teams. The championship will run from June 27 to July 3 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, with teams vying for national honours.

Defending champions, Father O’Connell Science College of Niger State, will embark on their quest for a second consecutive title. They secured the 2025 championship with a narrow 66-64 victory over Bishop Dimieari Grammar School of Bayelsa State. Father O’Connell will kick off their title defence against King Amakree Academy of Degema, Rivers State. The boys’ category promises fierce competition, featuring other strong contenders such as Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT), Davidhall International College, Ikoyi (Lagos), Family Support Programme Secondary School (Katsina), and Urhobo College, Effurun (Delta).

In the girls’ category, Lanre Leke Academy of Osun State, the 2025 runners-up, are determined to go one step further after their 55-42 defeat in last year’s final. Their campaign begins against St Jude’s Amarata Girls Secondary School of Bayelsa State. The girls’ line-up is completed by Government Secondary School, Gboko (Benue), Ado Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti (Ekiti), Urhobo College, Effurun (Delta), and Government Girls College, Bauchi.

Speaking at the tournament draw, Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director, Waseem ElHusseini, whose remarks were delivered by the company’s Commercial Director, Boladale Odunlami, highlighted the championship's evolution over its 26-year history. Since its inception, the MILO Basketball Championship has grown into one of Nigeria's most prominent school sports competitions. ElHusseini emphasized that the competition was established to offer young Nigerians a platform to discover their talents, build confidence, and develop crucial life skills that extend beyond the basketball court. He noted that the initial ambition of creating opportunities for youth development has blossomed into a widely recognized platform, uniting athletes, schools, coaches, teachers, and families nationwide.

ElHusseini further revealed that more than 13,000 schools participated in this year’s competition, with only the finalists progressing, underscoring the tournament as a celebration of discipline, determination, and excellence. He also extended gratitude to the dedicated coaches, teachers, and parents who have been instrumental in sustaining the championship over the years. He added, “As we begin the national finals, we are not only bringing together the best teams in Nigeria, but also celebrating inspiring stories of hard work, perseverance and personal growth. While the next champions will be decided on the court, the values these young athletes have acquired will remain with them long after the competition ends.”

Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), lauded Nestlé Nigeria's steadfast commitment to grassroots sports development. She described the MILO Basketball Championship as a transformative initiative that has positively impacted countless young Nigerians, stressing the essential role of sports in providing a complete, quality education. Joseph stated, “It is impossible to have a complete education without sports, and that is the opportunity Nestlé has consistently provided for Nigerian children over the past 26 years.” She noted that the championship has become a household name, with students eagerly anticipating participation in the life-changing competition annually. Concluding her remarks, Joseph affirmed, “Nestlé is not merely sponsoring a basketball tournament; it is building a lasting legacy for Nigeria. Through school sports, young people learn discipline, teamwork, unity and leadership—values that will continue to shape them long after they leave the basketball court.” With the finest school teams now gathered in Lagos, another thrilling chapter of the MILO Basketball Championship is poised to unfold as the intense race for national supremacy begins.