Nestlé unveils finalists in school basketball contest

Nestlé Nigeria Plc has officially unveiled the twelve finalist schools set to clash for national honours at the grand finale of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship, following months of intense competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across the country.

The championship, which has steadily grown since its inception in 1999 from fewer than 500 participating schools to a massive national platform, will culminate in its National Finals on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. Six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams will battle for the coveted trophies after qualifying through several conference games.

Speaking on the grand vision behind the long-running grassroots initiative, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, emphasised that the corporate giant views sports as an essential tool for character development.

Represented by the company’s Commercial Director, Boladale Odunlami, Elhusseini said, “We know that the future of any nation is shaped by the confidence, character and opportunities we provide to its young people today. Beyond academic knowledge, young people need opportunities to develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the ability to overcome challenges and lead with confidence.

“That is why, through the MILO School Basketball Championship, we continue to invest in sport as a platform for developing not only talented athletes but resilient, confident young leaders who are prepared for success both on and off the court,” he added.

He further pointed out the tangible rewards of this long-term strategy, noting that the championship has successfully produced elite basketball stars, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum, and Nkechi Akashili, who have proudly represented Nigeria on the international stage.

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Re-echoing the historic journey of the tournament, the Category Manager for MILO, Gilbert Koduah, added his perspective on the initiative’s foundational goals, saying, “Twenty-six years ago, the MILO School Basketball Championship began with a simple ambition to create a platform where young Nigerians could discover their talents, build confidence and develop the values needed to become champions, both on and off the court”.

The consistency of the brand drew high praise from regulatory sports bodies. Applauding the corporate social responsibility milestone, the President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, Mrs Olabisi Joseph, commended the impact on local communities.

Joseph said: “The continued growth in participation reflects the value this championship brings to schools and communities across Nigeria. Year after year, it provides young people with opportunities to compete, learn, build confidence and develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We commend Nestlé Nigeria for its consistency and long-term commitment to youth development through sport.”

The group stage fixtures are already underway following the National Draws conducted at the event. In the boys’ category, Group A features Father O’Connell Science College (Niger State), King Amakree Academy (Rivers State), and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT). Group B includes Davidhall International College (Lagos State), Family Support Programme Secondary School (Katsina State), and Urhobo College (Delta State).

For the girls’ category, Lanreleke Academy (Osun State), St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa State), and Government Secondary School, Gboko (Benue State) will battle in Group A, while Ado Grammar School (Ekiti State), Urhobo College (Delta State), and Government Girls College (Bauchi State) comprise Group B.

The preliminary matches, which tipped off on 27 June 2026, are running alongside a specialised Coaching Clinic and ‘Vibes Day’ ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated showdown.