Davidhall Edges Oyo Rival, Ado Grammar School claims Girls’ Crown at MILO Western Conference

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Davidhall International College, Lagos State, and Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State, have emerged champions of the Western Conference of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship, securing the final qualification spots for the National Finals scheduled for July 2 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The Western Conference, which marked the conclusion of the regional phase of the championship, produced thrilling contests in both the boys’ and girls’ categories as nine schools in each division battled for the last available places at the national finals.

In the girls’ final, Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State, defeated Lanreleke Academy of Osun State 53-49 in a closely contested encounter to qualify for the National Finals for the first time in the school’s history.

The boys’ final was equally dramatic as Davidhall International College, Lagos State, edged God’s Blessings Comprehensive College, Oyo State, 82-81 in a nail-biting contest to lift the Western Conference title.

Speaking at the event, the Category Manager for MILO, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to youth development through sports, describing basketball as an effective platform for building character and leadership among young Nigerians.

According to him, the championship has continued to provide opportunities for students to develop qualities such as discipline, resilience, teamwork and determination that will benefit them both on and off the court.

He noted that more than 13,000 schools across Nigeria registered for this year’s championship, reflecting the growing popularity and impact of the competition, which has remained a key platform for discovering and nurturing young basketball talents over the past 26 years.

Individual brilliance also stood out during the finals.

Miracle Akinola of Ado Grammar School, wearing jersey number 10, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the girls’ category after scoring 22 points to inspire her team’s 53-point victory.

In the boys’ category, Emmanuel Saleh of Davidhall International College won the MVP award after contributing 19 points to his team’s winning tally of 82 points.

The championship attracted officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Education, representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), the National Council on School Sport (NCSS), and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The conclusion of the Western Conference completes the regional stage of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship.

Earlier, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, and Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina State, emerged champions 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, also won the Central Conference titles, while St. Jude Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa State, and King Amakree Academy, Rivers State, claimed the Atlantic Conference crowns.

With all regional champions now confirmed, attention shifts to the National Finals, where the best school basketball teams from across the country will compete for the coveted 26th MILO Basketball Championship title on July 2, 2026, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.