25th Milo Basketball Championship: Father O’Connell, GSS Karu make history

Stanley Ihedigbo

25th MILO Basketball National Finals saw Father O’Connell Science College from Niger State and Government Secondary School (GSS) Karu from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emerge as champions in the male and female categories, respectively.

Held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, the event was a testament to the power of sports in promoting teamwork, discipline, and resilience among Nigerian students.

According to Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Specialist, Lois Nweke, the national finals brought together the best secondary school basketball teams from across Nigeria in a thrilling celebration of sporting excellence and youth empowerment.

The milestone edition highlighted the impact of the championship, which has helped shape the lives of students in over 13,000 schools this year.

In a hard-fought match in the male category, Father O’Connell Science College clinched their third championship title, defeating Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, with a final score of 66–64. This latest victory cements their position as one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.

In the female category, Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT, delivered a commanding performance, defeating Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ile-Ogbo, Osun State, with a 55–42 win to claim their first-ever national championship title.

The victory is especially significant, as the team had previously finished in second place on three separate occasions, making this long-awaited triumph a defining milestone in their journey.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim El-Husseini, Commercial Manager, Boladale Odunlami, commended the athletes and applauded the coaches for their dedication to nurturing young talent. He also reaffirmed Nestlé’s purpose behind the MILO Basketball Championship.

“For 25 years, we’ve stayed true to our belief in growing champions through sport.

The MILO Basketball Championship has supported hundreds of thousands of young athletes, some of whom have gone on to play on the international stage and earn scholarships.

Take Rueben Abuchi, now at the University of Florida, an NCAA National Champion with the Florida Gators, or Murjanatu Musa, recently drafted into the WNBA and currently playing for the Phoenix Mercury.

They started with MILO, and they soared. But this isn’t just about creating stars on the court; it’s about building champions in life. That’s why we remain committed, not just as sponsors, but as partners in purpose,” he said.

Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager, Beverages, added, “This championship has become a powerful symbol of the MILO basketball championship, empowering boys and girls across Nigeria to discover their strength, showcase their talent, and unlock their full potential. We’re not just crowning new champions; we’re marking 25 years of transformation, purpose, and impact.

Because every child who steps onto a MILO basketball court isn’t just playing a game, they are building the mindset, discipline, and resilience to win in life.”

This year’s tournament included an inclusive match for young individuals with disabilities, highlighting the championship’s commitment to inclusivity and Nestlé’s dedication to ensuring that everyone can participate and thrive.

Both winning teams received trophies, cash prizes, full basketball kits, and MILO products. Their victory at this landmark 25th edition makes them part of the long history of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots youth basketball platform.

Now celebrating 25 years of impact, the MILO Basketball Championship continues to be a key youth program, showing Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to building talent, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and developing future champions, both on and off the court.