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The historic tournament evolution stresses Nigeria's push into continental school sports, positioning the established championship as a pipeline for more exposure for young Nigerians.
Nigeria’s long-standing legacy competition, the Milo Schools Basketball Championship, now celebrating its 25th edition, is set to play a decisive role in shaping the country’s representation at the maiden African School Sports Games.
This historic tournament has evolved into a key platform for identifying and nurturing young basketball talent, reflecting Nigeria’s strategic commitment to expanding its footprint in continental school sports and sports diplomacy.
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07:29 - 19.09.2024
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Superstars of the Court: 7 players who made their mark in Nigeria's FIBA-sanctioned championships
The 2024 Basketball Championships provided an opportunity to share Nigeria's success stories over the years.
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact and Excellence
At a press conference held at the Nestlé Nigeria office in Lagos, major sponsors Nestle Nigeria and their officials highlighted the tournament’s significance beyond just sports.
Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, emphasised that the championship is about “changing the lives of individuals,” while Category Manager Ifeanyi Orabuche added, “the stars of tomorrow are here today.”
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Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, leader of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), described the Basketball Championship as Africa’s biggest grassroots tournament and claimed that “every basketball team in the country boasts at least a graduate of the Mile Basketball Championship.”
She also revealed that this year’s winners will proudly represent Nigeria at the first-ever African Schools Sports Games in Algeria next month.
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Col Sam Ahmedu, representing the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), was who echoed the tournament’s importance as a “legacy competition” that has been instrumental in discovering some of Nigeria’s best players who have gone on to shine in national teams and even the NBA and WNBA.
Recounting some of the achievements, Orabuche stated;
‘For 25 years, Nestle Milo has held fast the belief that sports is one of life’s greatest teachers and what better way to nurture tomorrow’s leaders than through to values that sports instil - teamwork, grit, resilience, leadership and very importantly, respect. This championship has become a symbol of that mission, empowering over 150,000 boys and girls every year and over 1.5 million children in the last 25 years across Nigeria.”
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A Grand Finale Set for Glory and New Beginnings
The 25th edition’s grand finale will see 12 teams competing across boys’ and girls’ categories, divided into four groups.
In the boys’ category, Group A features Government Secondary School, Numau (Adamawa), Amadiya College (Kano), and Government Secondary School, Gwaripa (Abuja), while Group B includes Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (Bayelsa), Davidhall International College (Lagos), and Father O’Conels Science College (Niger State).
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For the girls, Group A comprises Government Girls Secondary School (Yola, Adamawa), Saints Jude Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa), and Amadiya College (Kano). Group B will see Onireke High School (Ibadan, Oyo State), Government Secondary School (Karu, Abuja), and Lanreleke Academy (Ile-Igbo, Osun) battle for supremacy.
With over 1.5 million children impacted over the past 25 years, the Legacy Basketball Championship continues to be a beacon of youth development, leadership, and sporting excellence in Nigeria.
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With the latest edition of the tournament doubling as the selection ground for the African School Sports Games, it promises to launch a new chapter in Nigeria’s continental sports journey.
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