The 26th MILO Basketball Championship continued with the successful conclusion of the Central Conference regional finals, producing champions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories
Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue State, emerged champions in the girls’ category, while Father O’Connell Science College, Niger, claimed the boys’ title.
The development was announced on Wednesday in Lagos by Lois Nweke, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Specialist, in a statement made available to journalists.
For 26 years, MILO has sustained its commitment to youth development through school sports, using basketball to promote discipline, teamwork, resilience and confidence among young people.
The championship continues to provide opportunities for students across Nigeria to discover their talents, build character and pursue excellence both on and off the court.
This year, more than 13,000 schools applied to participate in the championship nationwide, underscoring the growing popularity and relevance of the competition.
Seven schools competed at the Central Conference regional finals for places in the National Finals scheduled for later in the year.
Government Secondary School, Gboko, secured the girls’ title with a commanding 63-31 victory over Nigeria Defense Academy Staff Secondary School, Kaduna State.
Father O’Connell Science College won the boys’ category after edging Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp, Abuja, 56-53 in a thrilling encounter.
The opening remarks were delivered by MILO Sports Marketing Manager, Mrs. Funmilola Oyewole, on behalf of the Category Manager, Mr Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah.
In his address, Tweneboah-Koduah emphasized the championship’s role in nurturing young athletes and encouraging them to pursue excellence beyond sports.
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“Every game played at this championship reminds us of the courage, determination and promise that exist in our young people.
“These students are not only competing for medals; they are learning to believe in themselves, to work as a team and to rise above challenges.
“At MILO, we are proud to continue supporting a platform that helps young people turn their passion into purpose,” he said.
Friday Victoria Ada of Government Secondary School, Gboko, was named the Most Valuable Player in the girls’ category following her outstanding performance.
Wearing jersey number 13, Ada scored 25 points, accounting for a significant portion of her team’s 63-point winning tally.
In the boys’ category, Idris Mohamed of Father O’Connell Science College received the Most Valuable Player award for his impressive display.
Mohamed, who wore jersey number five, contributed 20 points to his team’s total of 56 points in the closely contested final.
The Central Conference is the second of four regional conferences in the championship’s 26th edition.
With the Savannah and Central Conferences completed, attention now shifts to the Atlantic Conference, where nine schools each will compete in the boys’ and girls’ events.
The teams will battle for qualification spots as the race to the National Finals gathers momentum.
At the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, won the girls’ category, while Family Support Programme School, Katsina State, secured the boys’ title.
The Savannah and Central Conference winners now form part of the growing list of regional champions heading towards the championship’s grand finale.
The event attracted dignitaries from ministries in the Federal Capital Territory, alongside representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, Nigeria Cricket Support Foundation and FIBA.
The winning teams from the Central Conference will advance to the National Finals in Lagos on July 2, where they will compete against other regional champions for the national title.
NAN
