Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa (FCT), have emerged champions of the 25th Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship.
The thrilling finals were held at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, culminating in a competition that saw over 13,000 schools participate nationwide.
Boys’ Final: A nail-biting finish
The boys’ final was a captivating spectacle that went down to the wire. Father O’Connell Science College edged out their resilient rivals, Bishop Dimieari Grammar School from Bayelsa State, with a 66-64 victory.
The match was a back-and-forth affair. Bishop Dimieari Grammar School initially led 20–14 in the first quarter and maintained a 31–27 lead at halftime.
However, Father O’Connell Science College rallied in the third quarter, taking a 44–39 lead. Regulation time ended in a 57–57 deadlock, forcing overtime where both teams fought intensely until a winner was decided.
Girls’ Final: GSS Gwarinpa dominates
In the girls’ final, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa (Karu), showcased a dominant performance, comfortably overpowering Lanreleke Academy of Osun State with a 55–42 win to claim the championship title.
Prize money and top finishers
Both the male and female champion teams received a prize money of N3 million each, while the two runners-up earned N2 million apiece.
In the boys’ classification, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT), secured third place with N1.5 million. They were followed by Government Secondary School (Adamawa) in fourth, David Hall College (Lagos) in fifth, and Ahmadiyya College (Kano) in sixth.
In the girls’ category, Government Girls Secondary School (Adamawa) finished third and also received N1.5 million. St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa), Onireke High School, GRA (Oyo), and Ahmadiyya College (Kano) completed the top six standings.
