The road to the national stage of the 25th MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship is officially underway, with Kano hosting the opening leg of the regional finals, the Savannah Conference.
Adamawa State stole the spotlight, clinching both the boys’ and girls’ titles in a dominant start to this milestone edition of Nigeria’s premier youth basketball competition.
In the girls’ final, Government Girls Secondary School, Yola, overwhelmed Ahmadiyya Secondary School, Kano, with a 75–33 victory.
MILO Basketball Championship
The boys’ title also went to Adamawa, as Government Secondary School, Numan secured a convincing 71–45 win over the same Ahmadiyya Secondary School.
Both games showcased exceptional talent, coordination, and sportsmanship among the competing teams.
MVPs shine bright
Purami Dickson of Government Girls Secondary School was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the girls’ category. Beaming with joy after the match, she said:
“I am overjoyed. It’s a dream come true. I thank God, my teammates, and MILO for this opportunity. It’s a moment I will never forget.”
In the boys’ category, Joseph Albert Vandu of Boys Grammar School, Adamawa, earned MVP honours and shared:
“This means everything to me. I’ve always dreamed of being the MVP, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches. Thank you, MILO.”
A Championship with purpose
Held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, the Savannah Conference featured top-performing school teams from Yobe, Borno, Taraba, Zamfara, Gombe, Katsina, Bauchi, Jigawa, and host state Kano.
The victorious Adamawa teams will represent the region at the national finals, scheduled for June 20 to 27, 2025, at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Orabuche Ifeanyinchukwu, Category Manager for Beverages at Nestlé Nigeria, represented by Charles Ikpe, highlighted the championship’s broader impact.
“For 25 years, MILO has remained committed to grooming young talent and reinforcing lifelong values through sports. At Nestlé, we believe that the grit you learn in sport stays with you for life. Through this championship, we are not just building basketball stars, we are building future leaders.”
Looking ahead
The championship continues with the Central Conference in Abuja, the Eastern Conference in Asaba, and the Western Conference in Ibadan.
Winners from all four zones will converge in Lagos for the grand finale, where they’ll compete for the Champions Trophy, cash prizes, basketball kits, and the life-changing experience of national recognition.
