The race to the National Finals of the 26th Milo Basketball Championship has officially begun, following a thrilling conclusion to the Savannah Conference regional finals at the Sani Abacha Indoor Sports Hall in Kano.
In a showcase of grassroots athletic brilliance, Government Secondary School (GSS) Zing from Taraba State conquered the girls’ category, while the boys of Family Support Programme, Katsina, emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter.
The girls’ final delivered a masterclass in offensive basketball as GSS Zing, Taraba, squared off against Government Girls College Unity School, Bauchi. Zing ultimately triumphed with a 53–43 scoreline, heavily propelled by a sensational, tournament-defining performance from Happy Sylvester. Sylvester single-handedly accounted for 38 of her team’s 53 points, rightfully earning the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).
The boys’ finale offered even higher stakes and a razor-thin margin for error. The Family Support Programme team from Katsina went toe-to-toe with Government Secondary School Numan, Adamawa State, in a high-octane clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Katsina narrowly escaped with a 64–63 victory, thanks in large part to the heroics of tournament MVP Friday Emmanuel, who dropped 22 crucial points to seal the win.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs. Opeyemi Jaiyeola, Category Development Manager (delivering the address on behalf of Category Manager, Mr. Gilbert Tweneboah), reflected on the massive evolution of the championship.
“Since 1999, what started with fewer than 500 schools has grown into a national movement, now engaging over 12,000 schools annually,” Jaiyeola noted. “This growth is not by chance. It’s a result of dedication, consistency, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strength and reach their full potential.”
The high-profile event drew top-tier stakeholders from the sports and education sectors, including dignitaries from the Kano State Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, media representatives, and Olympic Commission officials. Key basketball and school sports governing bodies, including the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), National Association of Institutional Sports (NCSF), and FIBA, were also in attendance to witness the next generation of hoop talent.
With the Savannah Conference champions decided, the tournament’s momentum now shifts to the Central Region Finals, scheduled to take place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja.
Teams from the Central Region will battle it out for the coveted ticket to join the Savannah champions at the prestigious National Finals, set to take place in Lagos this July.
