Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko in Benue State and Father O’Connell Science College in Niger State have emerged champions of the Central Conference finals of the 26th MILO Basketball Championship, securing places in the national finals scheduled for July in Lagos.

The victories came as Nigeria’s largest secondary school basketball competition continued its nationwide search for the country’s top young basketball talents.

GSS Gboko dominated the girls’ final with a convincing 63-31 victory over Nigeria Defence Academy Staff Secondary School, Kaduna, while Father O’Connell Science College edged Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp, Abuja, 56-53 in a closely contested boys’ final.

The latest results mean both schools will represent the Central Conference at the championship’s national finals on 2 July 2026.

Why It Matters

For more than two decades, the MILO Basketball Championship has served as a major grassroots sports development platform in Nigeria, helping young athletes gain exposure while promoting teamwork, discipline and leadership skills.

Organisers said more than 13,000 schools applied to participate in this year’s competition, highlighting growing interest in school sports across the country.

The championship is also seen as an important pathway for discovering future national and international basketball talents.

Championship Builds Character Beyond the Court

Speaking at the event, MILO Category Manager, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, represented by Sports Marketing Manager Funmilola Oyewole, said the competition was about more than winning trophies.

“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, to work as a team, and to rise above challenges. At MILO, we are proud to continue supporting a platform that helps young people turn their passion into purpose.”

Sports development experts have consistently argued that structured school competitions can improve youth engagement, encourage healthy lifestyles and provide opportunities for talented students to progress in competitive sports.

MVPs Shine in Decisive Finals

The girls’ final saw Friday Victoria Ada of GSS Gboko deliver an outstanding performance.

The player, wearing jersey number 13, scored 25 points—almost 40% of her team’s total—to help secure the title and earn the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

In the boys’ category, Idris Mohamed of Father O’Connell Science College was named MVP after contributing 20 points during his side’s narrow victory.

His performance proved decisive as the Niger State school held off a late challenge from their Abuja opponents.

Regional Race Towards Lagos

The Central Conference is the second of four regional qualifying stages in the 26th edition of the championship.

Earlier, at the Savannah Conference, Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, won the girls’ category, while Family Support Programme School, Katsina State, emerged champions in the boys’ division.

The championship will now move to the Atlantic Conference, where another set of schools will compete for places in the national finals.

Regional winners from across Nigeria will eventually converge in Lagos to battle for the national title.

Government and Sports Stakeholders Present

The event attracted representatives from several education and sports organisations, including officials from ministries within the Federal Capital Territory.

Representatives of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Nigeria School Cricket Federation (NCSF) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) were also in attendance.

Their presence underscored the growing importance of school sports as a tool for youth development and talent identification.

What Happens Next?

Attention now shifts to the Atlantic Conference qualifiers before the national finals in Lagos.

For GSS Gboko and Father O’Connell Science College, the focus will be on preparing to face other regional champions in what promises to be a highly competitive finale.

With thousands of schools participating nationwide, the championship continues to provide one of the country’s biggest platforms for discovering future basketball stars.

Former Nigerian international footballers, including Daniel Amokachi, Dosu Joseph, Tajudeen Disu, Fatai Amoo, and Waidi Akanni, attended the final of the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament in Lagos, highlighting the growing importance of grassroots football development in Nigeria.

The tournament, held at Onikan Stadium, concluded with Fortune FA of Oshodi winning the boys’ category and Labro Queen FC of Oyingbo emerging champions in the girls’ competition.

The annual U-17 tournament is sponsored by and founded by the chairman SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, as a platform to identify and nurture young football talent across Lagos State.

How the finals unfolded

Fortune FA secured a 2-0 victory over Dynamo FC of Iwaya in the boys’ final.

Goals from Quadri Popoola and Agbato Wasiu sealed the title after a competitive contest between the two youth sides.

In the girls’ final, Labro Queen FC and Starlet Girls FC of Idimu played out a goalless draw before the match was decided by penalties.

Labro Queen converted five of their six spot kicks, while Starlet Girls scored four from six attempts, handing Labro Queen the championship trophy.

Why it matters

Nigeria continues to rely heavily on grassroots football programmes to discover future stars capable of representing clubs and national teams at the highest levels.

Sports development experts have long argued that sustained investment in youth competitions provides opportunities for talented players who may otherwise lack access to structured training, mentorship and exposure.

The Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament has become one of Lagos State’s most recognised grassroots competitions over the past decade, creating a pathway for young footballers to showcase their abilities before coaches, scouts and football administrators.

According to organisers, several players who featured in previous editions have progressed to professional football careers both within Nigeria and overseas.

A decade of grassroots football investment

Speaking during the final, Dr Taiwo Afolabi reflected on the tournament’s growth over the last 10 years and its role in youth development.

He said the competition started as a small football event linked to his birthday celebrations before evolving into a structured talent-development platform.

“We need to encourage the youth, because without encouraging them, they cannot be successful. Young, talented football players like the one featured in this tournament require consistent guidance, mentorship and platforms that help them build their skills and confidence, as well as assist them to remain focused so as to fulfil their potential, both on and off the pitch.”

Afolabi said the initiative was created to help young people channel their energy positively while building discipline, confidence and career opportunities through sport.

He attended the event alongside his wife, Mrs Folashade Afolabi.

Football community praises tournament

The Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association commended Afolabi and SIFAX Group for sustaining the competition for a decade.

The association’s secretary, Aliyu Ganiyu, said the tournament had contributed significantly to football development in Lagos by creating opportunities for young players to gain visibility and experience.

According to him, several participants from previous editions have advanced to professional football careers in Nigeria and abroad.

What’s next?

As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its football development pipeline, stakeholders say long-term investment in grassroots competitions remains essential.

With increasing attention from former internationals, coaches and football administrators, tournaments such as the Taiwo Afolabi Football Tournament are expected to continue serving as important talent-discovery platforms for the next generation of Nigerian footballers.

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a comprehensive audit of a disputed forest reserve concession linked to Rex Forestry Limited in Ondo West Local Government Area.

The move comes amid growing concerns from farming communities over land ownership, cultivation rights and the future of cocoa plantations within the reserve.

Speaking during a meeting with farmers from 27 affected communities in Akure on Monday, the governor said the state government would rely on verified data rather than speculation in determining the actual size and boundaries of the concession.

Why the audit matters

The dispute centres on conflicting claims about the size of the concession granted to Rex Forestry.

While figures cited range between 37,000 and 50,000 hectares, local communities argue that around 10,000 hectares are currently being cultivated by farmers.

To establish the facts, Governor Aiyedatiwa directed the state’s Surveyor-General to conduct a detailed verification and demarcation exercise.

The governor said the review is part of broader efforts to create a structured land-use framework capable of accommodating both local farmers and private investors.

Such a framework, he argued, is necessary to prevent recurring conflicts over land ownership while supporting economic growth.

Farmers assured over cocoa plantations

One of the major concerns raised by farmers was the possibility of losing established cocoa farms.

Governor Aiyedatiwa sought to ease those fears, assuring residents that no cocoa plantations would be destroyed during the audit process.

“They are not touching your cocoa trees until we finish verification,” he said.

The governor added that even if future adjustments become necessary, the government would avoid forced displacement.

Instead, affected farmers would be supported through a phased transition programme that could include alternative farmland allocations and the provision of seedlings.

Mixed land-use model proposed

A key element of the state’s emerging strategy is a mixed land-use system that combines smallholder farming with large-scale agribusiness investment.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said both groups play critical roles in agricultural development and economic expansion.

He argued that major investors contribute to job creation, industrial development and rural infrastructure, while local farmers remain central to food production and community livelihoods.

The governor also reiterated that concessions legally granted by previous administrations remain valid and that policy continuity is important for investor confidence.

Investment and infrastructure

The governor highlighted ongoing private-sector investments in rural areas, including the construction of a 27-kilometre road valued at approximately N1 billion.

According to him, the project is expected to improve access to farming communities, reduce transportation challenges and create employment opportunities for local youths.

Analysts say rural infrastructure remains one of the biggest constraints facing agricultural productivity in many parts of Nigeria.

Improved road networks can help farmers access markets more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses and attract additional investment into agricultural value chains.

Government seeks balance between communities and investors

The Chief Executive Officer of Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, Emmanuel Omomowo, said the government had been working to resolve disputes linked to investor concessions within forest reserves.

He noted that Rex Forestry holds a 37,000-hectare concession but acknowledged that boundary uncertainties and competing claims had made government intervention necessary.

Omomowo expressed confidence that the governor’s decision would produce a solution that protects both community interests and investment opportunities.

Farmers welcome governor’s intervention

The General Chairman of the Ondo Ilulade Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Society, Chief Philip Akinbanjo, welcomed the governor’s assurance that cocoa farms would not be affected during the review.

He called on farmers to continue cooperating with the state government as the verification process moves forward.

Rex Forestry backs government’s approach

Also speaking, Olu Agunloye said the company had previously agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture to allow farmers to continue cultivation in areas of the concession that had not been cleared.

He added that the company accepted the governor’s directive and would operate within the framework being developed by the government.

According to him, the goal is to ensure peaceful coexistence between local farmers and investors.

What happens next?

The next stage will involve a detailed survey and demarcation of the disputed land by state authorities.

The outcome is expected to determine the precise boundaries of the concession and guide future land-use decisions.

For thousands of farmers and residents in affected communities, the audit could shape the future of agricultural production, rural livelihoods and investment in one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states.