The Western Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship concluded with Davidhall International College of Lagos and Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State, emerging as champions in the boys' and girls' categories respectively. They have secured the final qualification spots for the national finals, scheduled for 2 July at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Girls' Final: Ado Grammar School Triumphs
Ado Grammar School claimed the girls' title after a hard-fought 53–49 victory over Lanreleke Academy of Osun State. This triumph marks the Ekiti school's first-ever qualification for the national finals. Miracle Akinola, wearing jersey number 10, was named the Most Valuable Player after scoring 22 points, accounting for nearly half of her team's total points in the final.
Boys' Final: Davidhall International College Edges Past Opponents
In the boys' category, Davidhall International College edged God's Blessings Comprehensive College of Oyo State 82–81 in a thrilling contest to emerge champions. Emmanuel Saleh, wearing jersey number seven, was named the Most Valuable Player, contributing 19 points and playing a decisive role in his school's one-point victory.
Tournament Background and Reach
The MILO Basketball Championship, now in its 26th year, continues to serve as a platform for discovering young talents while promoting discipline, teamwork, and leadership through sports. According to organisers, more than 13,000 schools applied to participate in this year's championship, highlighting the tournament's growing reach and popularity across the country.
Organisers' Commitment to Youth Development
Speaking at the event, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, reiterated the company's commitment to youth development through sports. “At MILO, we believe that sport is one of the most powerful tools for shaping character and building future leaders. Through the Basketball Championship, we continue to provide young people with opportunities to develop discipline, resilience, teamwork and determination, qualities that will serve them well beyond the court,” he said.
Other Regional Champions
The completion of the Western Conference concludes the regional stage of the championship. Earlier conferences had already produced Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, and Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, as winners of the Savannah Conference in the girls' and boys' categories, respectively. Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, and Father O'Connell Science College, Niger State, emerged champions in the Central Conference, while St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, won the Atlantic Conference titles.
National Finals Preview
With all regional champions now confirmed, attention shifts to Lagos, where the country's best school teams will compete for national honours at the championship finals in July. The event attracted officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Education, as well as representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, the National Council on School Sport, and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
