Lagos: The 26th Nestl© Milo Secondary School Basketball Championships continued on Monday with quarter-final matches that saw Davidhall International College, Ikoyi, Lagos, securing a 51-47 victory over Urhobo College. The Lagos team later confirmed their semi-final spot by defeating Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, 61-53.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, King Amakree Academy, Obuama, Degema, Rivers, achieved their first-ever semi-final qualification by defeating Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, Life Camp, FCT, 52-47. Urhobo College, Effurun, Delta, also reached the semi-finals after overcoming Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, with a score of 55-47. The tournament, which began on Saturday, features six male and six female teams competing for the national championship trophy.
Former champions Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, Niger, advanced further by defeating King Amakree Academy, Rivers, 57-48, and Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, FCT, 38-34. Coaches have commended Nestl© Milo for its role in promoting youth development through basketball in Nigeria, highlighting the championship’s role in talent discovery and keeping young players away from negative influences.
Coach Tunde Ojedije of the FCT team expressed excitement over the competition’s quality, noting that the level of play was high and Nestl© Milo Basketball brought out the best in players. He called for more organizations to support grassroots sports development. Coach Bashir Muktar from Katsina State praised his team’s milestone despite not qualifying for the semi-finals, appreciating the players’ performance and commitment.
Coach Kenny Edogun of Delta’s Urhobo College described the championship as highly competitive, showcasing the growth of secondary school basketball. He emphasized the effort made by the players to reach their current stage and expressed hope for reaching the podium.