King Amakree, GSS Gboko crowned champions at 26th MILO Basketball Championship

King Amakree Academy of Rivers State and Government Secondary School (GSS) Gboko of Benue State have been crowned champions of the 26th Nestlé MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship. The finals concluded Thursday at the National Stadium in Lagos.

While GSS Gboko secured a decisive victory in the girls' final, the boys' championship was decided by one of the most thrilling finishes in the competition's history. King Amakree Academy staged a remarkable comeback to defeat defending champions Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, by a narrow 56-54 margin.

The championship, which brought together top secondary school teams from across Nigeria following months of regional qualifiers, once again showcased MILO's enduring investment in grassroots basketball and youth development. The event featured energetic performances and cultural displays, keeping the packed arena entertained throughout the finals.

In the dramatic boys' final, King Amakree Academy narrowly led the first quarter 15-14. Father O’Connell then dominated the second quarter, building a 31-25 halftime lead. The Niger State team extended their advantage to 47-39 by the end of the third quarter. With just five minutes left, Father O’Connell still held a 49-44 lead, but King Amakree Academy mounted a fierce defensive effort, forcing turnovers and closing the gap.

Destiny Nwachi of King Amakree Academy ultimately sealed the victory, converting crucial free throws with seconds remaining. "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, even though it’s one, one," Nwachi admitted after the game, describing the immense pressure of taking the championship-winning shots.

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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, even though it’s one, one.