Bayelsa, Rivers schools crowned champions at MILO Atlantic Conference basketball finals

St. Jude Girls Secondary School from Bayelsa State and King Amakree Academy from Rivers State have claimed the championship titles in the girls' and boys' divisions, respectively, at the 26th MILO Basketball Championship's Atlantic Conference. The regional competition, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, saw nine schools in each category vying for qualification to the national finals. St. Jude Girls Secondary School secured their victory with a decisive 46-25 win over Urhobo College in the girls' final. The boys' final was a closer contest, with King Amakree Academy narrowly defeating Urhobo College 47-44. This marks the third regional stage of the championship, continuing its mission to discover and nurture young basketball talent across Nigeria. According to organizers, over 13,000 schools applied to participate this year, demonstrating the competition's growing popularity and its impact on youth development through sports. Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager for MILO at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, emphasized the championship's role in fostering discipline, teamwork, resilience, and self-belief among young athletes. "Every game played at this championship reminds us of the courage, determination and promise that exist in our young people," he stated. "These students are not only competing for medals; they are learning to believe in themselves, work as a team and rise above challenges."

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Every game played at this championship reminds us of the courage, determination and promise that exist in our young people. These students are not only competing for medals; they are learning to believe in themselves, work as a team and rise above challenges.