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The 26th Nestlé Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship concluded on a spectacular note on Thursday, with King Amakree Academy, Obuama, Rivers State, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko, Benue State, emerging champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
While GSS Gboko produced a commanding display to win the girls’ title, the boys’ final delivered one of the most memorable finishes in the competition’s history as King Amakree Academy mounted a remarkable late comeback to edge defending champions Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, 56-54.
The championship, which brought together Nigeria’s finest secondary school basketball teams following months of regional qualifiers, once again highlighted Nestlé Milo’s enduring commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment.
The boys’ decider lived up to its billing from the opening tip-off.
King Amakree Academy edged the opening quarter 15-14 before Father O’Connell found their rhythm in the second period. The Niger State side tightened up defensively, capitalised on fast-break opportunities and shot confidently from range to overturn the deficit, taking a 31-25 lead into halftime.
The break itself was a celebration, featuring lively performances by gospel music group Goshen, colourful calisthenics displays and cultural entertainment that kept the packed Indoor Sports Hall buzzing.
Father O’Connell returned with renewed confidence after the interval, stretching their advantage to eight points before closing the third quarter ahead 47-39. With just five minutes left on the clock, they still appeared firmly on course to retain their title, leading 49-44.
Then came the turnaround. King Amakree tightened their defence, forced a string of costly turnovers and gradually chipped away at the lead.
The score moved to 49-46 before the Rivers side closed to within one point at 51-50 with just over two minutes remaining.
Momentum had completely shifted. King Amakree briefly took the lead at 52-51, only for Father O’Connell to respond immediately. Another basket restored the Rivers school’s advantage at 54-53 before Father O’Connell, with 13 seconds remaining, earned a trip to the free-throw line and converted one of two attempts to tie the contest at 54-54.
Overtime seemed inevitable. Instead, another late foul handed King Amakree’s Destiny Nwachi the opportunity to decide the championship from the free-throw line.
Under immense pressure, he calmly converted both shots to seal a dramatic 56-54 victory, sparking jubilant celebrations among teammates, coaches and supporters.
After the game, Nwachi admitted the pressure before taking the decisive free throws was immense.
“I was like, if I miss it, I’m dead. I’ll be a failure to my coaches, my parents and my teammates. I just had to focus.”
He revealed that free throws are moments he embraces rather than fears.
“A free throw is a free chance for me. No defender on you. I will just take my deep breath and appreciate God.”
Reflecting on his team’s remarkable comeback, he credited determination and hard work.
“It’s hard work. Like my dad always says, hard work. You put on your best… Thank God. Appreciate God.”
The girls’ final proved far less dramatic but equally impressive.
Government Secondary School, Gboko, delivered a dominant performance to defeat seven-time champions St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State, 68-36.
The Benue side controlled proceedings from the opening tip, combining disciplined defence, quick transitions and outstanding teamwork to deny their experienced opponents any route back into the contest.
Their consistency throughout the tournament was rewarded as Ada Friday was named the girls’ Most Valuable Player.
In the third-place playoffs, Davidhall International College, Lagos, defeated Urhobo College, Delta State, 51-43 in the boys’ category, while Ado Grammar School, Ekiti State, claimed third place in the girls’ competition with a 40-30 victory over Urhobo College.
Nestlé Nigeria Plc Managing Director Wassim Elhusseini presented trophies and cash prizes to the winners alongside Nigerian School Sport Federation President Bisi Joseph and Nestlé Nigeria Beverages Category Manager Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah.
Elhusseini said the championship had, over the past 26 years, provided thousands of young Nigerians with opportunities to build discipline, teamwork and resilience while developing their basketball talents.
The champions received ₦3 million, basketballs and sporting equipment, while the runners-up earned ₦2 million alongside sports gear and Milo gift items. Third-place teams were rewarded with ₦1.5 million, sporting equipment and Milo products.
As another memorable edition came to a close, the spotlight now shifts to the future, with many of the young stars who lit up the championship expected to form part of the next generation of Nigerian basketball talent.
