The Final Shot: Youth Basketball takes centre stage as Western Conference caps 25th regional finals

The 25th MILO Basketball Championship’s Western Conference Regional Finals concluded on a high note at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasigba, Ibadan, marking the end of the regional stages of Nigeria’s premier youth basketball tournament. 

The event showed exceptional talent and fierce competition, stressing the brand’s 25-year commitment to fostering youth development through sports.

In the boys’ category, Davidhall International College, Lagos, secured a commanding 53–35 victory over God Blessing Comprehensive College, Oyo. Alaughe Ezekiel led Davidhall with 20 points, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his standout performance.

The girls’ final saw Onireke High School, Oyo, edge out Lanreleke Academy, Osun, in a thrilling 44–41 contest. Despite the loss, Lanreleke’s Jude Precious was named MVP, having scored an impressive 26 points.

Charles Ikpe, an Executive at Nestlé Nigeria, speaking on behalf of Category Manager Ifeanyi Orabuche, highlighted the championship’s broader impact: 

“This is more than basketball. It’s a celebration of 25 years of nurturing dreams, building champions, and instilling values like discipline, resilience, teamwork, and grit.”

The Western Conference was the final stop of the tournament’s regional tour, which included the Savannah Conference in Kano, Central Conference in Abuja, and Atlantic Conference in Asaba. 

With regional champions now decided, alongside two top-performing runners-up, the stage is set for the national finals.

The MILO Basketball Championship, one of Nigeria’s longest-running youth sports programs, continues to empower young athletes. 

Through values-driven competition, basketball cultivates future leaders.