From left: Mr. Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager, Nestlé Nigeria; Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF); Mrs. Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager, Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria; with the Father O’Connell Science College team, male category champions of the 25th MILO Basketball Championship, after their thrilling victory at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos.
Father O’Connell Science College, GSS Karu Emerge Champions at 25th MILO Basketball National Finals
Lagos, Nigeria — Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, and Government Secondary School (GSS) Karu, Federal Capital Territory, have been crowned national champions at the 25th edition of the MILO Basketball Championship, held at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The landmark edition of Nigeria’s premier grassroots basketball tournament brought together the best secondary school teams from across the country, culminating in a thrilling display of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Father O’Connell Science College clinched their third national title in the male category after a tightly contested final against Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The Niger State team edged their opponents with a narrow 66–64 victory, reinforcing their dominance as one of the tournament’s most successful teams.
In the female category, GSS Karu, FCT, achieved a historic feat by winning their first national championship. The team delivered an impressive performance against Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ile-Ogbo, Osun State, sealing a 55–42 win. The victory was particularly significant for GSS Karu, who had previously settled for second place on three occasions.
Speaking at the event, Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, conveyed a message on behalf of Managing Director and CEO, Wassim El-Husseini. He praised the athletes, coaches, and schools for their commitment to excellence and reiterated Nestlé’s dedication to youth development through sports.
“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 earn international scholarships and play professionally,” Odunlami said.
He cited success stories such as Rueben Abuchi, NCAA National Champion with the University of Florida’s Gators, and Murjanatu Musa, recently drafted into the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury — both of whom started their journeys through the MILO Basketball platform.
Also speaking, Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager for Beverages, described the tournament as a symbol of transformation and purpose.
“This championship empowers boys and girls across Nigeria to discover their strength, showcase their talent, and unlock their potential. We're not just crowning champions — we’re building future leaders,” Orabuche said.
In a show of inclusivity, this year’s event also featured a special match for young individuals with disabilities, underlining Nestlé’s commitment to giving every child the opportunity to participate and thrive.
Both winning teams received trophies, cash prizes, full basketball kits, and MILO products. Their names now join a prestigious list of past winners who have benefited from the developmental opportunities provided by the championship.
Now in its 25th year, the MILO Basketball Championship continues to stand as a pillar of youth engagement and talent development in Nigeria, aligning with Nestlé Nigeria’s broader mission to promote healthy lifestyles, education, and empowerment through sport.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lois Nweke
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Specialist
Email: Lois.Nweke@ng.nestle.com
From left: Mrs. Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager, Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria, steps forward in celebratory motion to present the trophy to the Father O’Connell Science College team, winners of the male category at the 25th edition of the MILO School Basketball Championship. Mr. Lanre Balogun, Executive Secretary of the National Collegiate Sports Foundation, stands at the right, joining in the moment of recognition.
From left: Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF); Mrs. Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager, Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria; celebrate with the Government Secondary School (GSS) Karu team, female category champions of the 25th MILO Basketball Championship, as they lift the trophy in victory at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos.
