Nestlé Nigeria has celebrated the 25th anniversary edition of the MILO Basketball Championship, a tournament that has grown into a transformative platform for secondary school students across the country.
On July 3rd, 2025, the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, hosted a remarkable conclusion to this year’s championship.
Father O’Connell Science College from Niger State and Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT, emerged as national champions in the male and female categories respectively. The milestone event highlighted more than just winners. It signaled a legacy of purpose and perseverance that has defined the tournament since its inception.
The MILO Basketball Championship has reached more than 13,000 schools in 2025 alone, engaging hundreds of thousands of students across Nigeria.
It has served as a launchpad for future stars and leaders, producing talents like Rueben Abuchi, now a student-athlete at the University of Florida and an NCAA national champion, and Murjanatu Musa, who was recently drafted into the WNBA by the Phoenix Mercury. Both athletes began their journeys on the MILO court.
Speaking on behalf of Wassim El-Husseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager, emphasized the broader purpose behind the tournament.
“For 25 years, we’ve stayed true to our belief in growing champions through sport. The MILO Basketball Championship has supported hundreds of thousands of young athletes, some of whom have gone on to play on the international stage and earn scholarships. But this isn’t just about creating stars on the court, it’s about building champions in life. That’s why we remain committed, not just as sponsors, but as partners in purpose,” he said.
Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager, Beverages, further underscored the impact.
“This championship has become a powerful symbol of the MILO Basketball Championship empowering boys and girls across Nigeria to discover their strength, showcase their talent, and unlock their full potential. We’re not just crowning new champions. We’re marking 25 years of transformation, purpose, and impact. Because every child who steps onto a MILO basketball court isn’t just playing a game, they are building the mindset, discipline, and resilience to win in life,” he said.
In a bold move that reflects Nestlé’s inclusive philosophy, the 2025 edition featured a special match involving young individuals with disabilities. This inclusive event reinforced the company’s belief that every child deserves the opportunity to participate, grow, and thrive through sport.
Winners at the championship received trophies, full basketball kits, cash prizes, and MILO products, but the real victory lies in the empowerment and exposure the platform provides. These young athletes return home not just as champions but as role models and symbols of hope in their communities.
As the championship marks a quarter-century milestone, Nestlé Nigeria’s investment in youth empowerment through sport continues to stand as a powerful example of corporate responsibility. The MILO Basketball Championship is not just shaping athletes. It is shaping futures.
