Adamawa and Bayelsa steal spotlight at the 25th Basketball Championship regional finals

The 25th MILO Secondary Schools Basketball Championship kicked off with electrifying regional finals.

Adamawa and Bayelsa States claimed double victories in the Savannah and Eastern Conferences, setting the stage for an epic national showdown in Lagos from June 20–27, 2025.

In Kano’s Sani Abacha Stadium, Adamawa State stole the spotlight. Government Girls Secondary School, Yola, crushed Ahmadiyya Secondary School, Kano, 75–33, with Purami Dickson earning MVP honours.

“I am overjoyed. It’s a dream come true. I thank God, my teammates, and MILO,” she said.

The boys’ team, Government Secondary School, Numan, secured a 71–45 win over the same opponents, led by MVP Joseph Albert Vandu, who noted, “This means everything to me… Thank you, MILO.” Adamawa’s teams now advance to the national finals.

At Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Bayelsa delivered heart-stopping performances to also book a spot.

Bishop Dimieari Grammar School, Yenagoa, edged Urhobo Model College, Effurun, 41–34 in the boys’ final, while St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, clinched a dramatic 44–43 victory over King Amachree Academy, Port Harcourt.

“This tournament is more than just basketball, it’s a platform for growth,” said Charles Ikpe, Category Development Executive. Bayelsa joins Adamawa in Lagos.

The Central Conference saw Niger State’s Father O’Connell Science College and FCT’s Government Secondary School, Karu, secure their spots with 54–38 and 33–28 wins, respectively. The Western Conference in Ibadan completed the lineup.

With MILO’s 25-year legacy of nurturing over 1.5 million students, the national finals promise to showcase Nigeria’s future leaders, vying for the Champions Trophy and a chance at the African School Sports Games.