Nestle commits to developing youths as MILO Basketball Championship ends

The 25th anniversary edition of the MILO Basketball Championship will go down as a memorable one as the sponsors express determination and commitment to sponsoring the programme.

The exciting event for 2025 came to a conclusion on Friday, as Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, emerged champions in the male category.

Similarly, Government Secondary School (GSS) Karu, FCT, emerged as national champions in the female category.

The event, which held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, saw the best secondary school basketball teams from across Nigeria competing for honours.

This milestone edition highlighted the impact of the championship, which had helped shape the lives of students in over 13,000 schools in 2025.

In a hard-fought match in the male category, Father O’Connell Science College clinched their third championship title, defeating Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, with 66–64.

This latest victory cemented their position as one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.

In the female category, GSS, Karu, FCT, delivered a commanding performance, defeating Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ile-Ogbo, Osun, with a 55–42 win.

GSS’s win was the first-ever national championship title in their many attempts in the competition.

The victory was especially significant, as the GSS team had previously finished in second place on three separate occasions, making this long-awaited triumph a defining milestone in their journey.

Speaking on behalf of Wassim El-Husseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Boladale Odunlami, the Commercial Manager, commended the athletes and applauded the coaches for their efforts.

He also commended them for their dedication to nurturing young talents.

He also reaffirmed Nestlé’s purpose behind the MILO Basketball Championship.

“For 25 years, we have 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 play in the international stage and earn scholarships.

“Take Rueben Abuchi, now at the University of Florida, an NCAA National Champion with the Florida Gators, or Murjanatu Musa, recently drafted into the WNBA and currently playing for the Phoenix Mercury.

“They started with MILO, and they soared. But this is not just about creating stars on the court, it is about building champions in life.

“That is why we remain committed, not just as sponsors, but as partners in purpose,” El-Husseini said.

In the same vein, Nestle’s Category Manager, Beverages, Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, added that the championship had become a powerful symbol of the MILO basketball championship, empowering boys and girls.

“The effort is to discover their strength, showcase their talent, and unlock their full potential. We are not just crowning new champions, we are marking 25 years of transformation, purpose, and impact.

“At Nestle, we believe that every child who steps onto a MILO basketball court is not just playing a game, they are building the mindset, discipline, and resilience to win in life,” Orabuche said.

This year’s tournament included an inclusive match for young individuals with disabilities, highlighting the championship’s commitment to inclusivity and Nestlé’s dedication to ensuring is carried along.

Both winning teams received trophies, cash prizes, full basketball kits, and MILO products.

Their victory at this landmark 25th edition makes them part of the long history of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots youth basketball platform.

Celebrating 25 years of impact, the MILO Basketball Championship continues to be a key youth programme, showing Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to building talents.

Also, it is encouraging healthy lifestyles, and developing future champions, both on and off the court.(