GSS Gboko, Father O’Connell Crowned MILO Basketball Central Conference Champions

Government Secondary School (GSS), Gboko, Benue State, and Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, emerged champions of the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively at the MILO Basketball Championship Central Conference Finals.

The regional finals, which featured seven schools battling for places at the National Finals, delivered thrilling contests as the teams showcased exceptional talent and determination.

In the girls’ final, GSS Gboko produced a dominant display to defeat Nigeria Defence Academy Staff Secondary School, Kaduna State, 63–31 and secure the Central Conference title. The Benue-based side controlled proceedings from the outset, underlining their status as one of the strongest teams in the competition.

The boys’ final proved far more dramatic, with Father O’Connell Science College edging Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp, Abuja, 56–53 in a fiercely contested encounter. The narrow victory earned the Niger State school a coveted ticket to the National Finals.

Speaking at the event, MILO Category Manager, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, represented by MILO Sports Marketing Manager Funmilola Oyewole, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to youth development through sport.

“Every game played at this championship reminds us of the courage, determination and promise that exist in our young people,” he said.

“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.”

Individual brilliance also came to the fore during the tournament. Victoria Ada of GSS Gboko was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the girls’ category after an outstanding performance in the final, where she scored 25 points to inspire her side’s emphatic victory.

In the boys’ category, Idris Mohamed of Father O’Connell Science College claimed the MVP award following a stellar display that saw him contribute 20 points in his team’s title-winning triumph.

The Central Conference marks the second of four regional stages in the 26th edition of the MILO Basketball Championship. With both the Savannah and Central Conferences now completed, attention shifts to the Atlantic Conference, where nine schools in each of the boys’ and girls’ categories will compete for the remaining places at the National Finals.

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

Together with the Central Conference winners, they now form part of an expanding list of regional champions on the road to the championship’s grand finale, where Nigeria’s best school basketball teams will battle for national honours.