NAN
Lagos: Nestlé Milo has awarded a N10 million cash prize to the winners of the boys’ and girls’ categories in the 2025 Nestlé Milo Secondary School Basketball Championships.
Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, received N3 million and Nestlé Milo gifts for emerging the champion during the competition, beating the boys of Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Bayelsa, who earned N2 million and consolation prizes.
In the girls’ category, Government Secondary School, Abuja, demonstrated their superiority by beating Lanre Leke Academy, Osun, 55-42, and received N3 million and gift items for its efforts. Meanwhile, the Osun girls, who made their debut, earned ₦2 million and gifts.
The Niger boys worked hard to overpower a determined Bishop Dimieari Grammar School team from Bayelsa in a 66-64 thriller.
Both teams, familiar foes and former champions, though, had their pride and reputation at stake in the final showdown.
In the group stage, Bayelsa had narrowly edged Niger 52-51 in a keenly contested match.
Their sharp ball movement, defensive strength and accurate three-pointers thrilled fans who demanded more of such action.
Once both teams reached the final, expectations of a brutal clash were high—and the match delivered.
Niger boys had to put up a superlative show, knowing that the Bayelsa boys were equally hungry, possessing the wherewithal to clinch the trophy.
Bayelsa dominated the first quarter 20-14 but fell 11-13 and 8-17 in the second and third quarters, respectively.
They bounced back with an 18-16 fourth quarter to force a 57-57 tie at full-time.
In overtime, Niger boys showed great vigour and obtained the crucial three-pointers, converting key free throws.
Their renewed strength pushed them to a seven-point lead, putting Bayelsa under immense pressure to respond.
But in-as-much-as the boys from Bayelsa pressed further, the Niger team did not relent, emerging as the winner of the trophy in the end.
The girls’ category was exhilarating, as Government Secondary School, Abuja, beat debutants Lanre Leke Academy, Osun, 55-42.
The Abuja girls had to dig deep after losing to the Osun team in the group stage.
Dike Victoria from Government Secondary School, Abuja, won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the girls’ category. At the same time, Samuel Levi of Father O’Connell, Niger, took the MVP honour in the boys’ category.
Niger coach Emmanuel Tanko, who also competed in 2004 and 2005, expressed that his team had prepared hard with a determination to win the title.
“We are delighted with the win. It was tough, knowing our opponents and how difficult the national finals can be.
“We appreciate the organisers for supporting grassroots basketball and helping grow young talent nationwide,” Tanko said.
Similarly, Abuja coach Rosemary Thompson said her girls played well and deserved the win.
She said the victory was great for them, expressing that they had worked hard despite losing earlier to the team during the competition.
Over 30,000 schools nationwide participated in this year’s 25th annual championship.
The competition, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, from June 21 to 26, featured 12 teams competing.
For basketball fans in Lagos, the competition was an interesting grassroots competition.
