Across Africa, basketball has become more than a sport, it is a language of ambition, rhythm and unity. On cracked concrete courts and under blazing skies, young players find in the bounce of the ball a heartbeat of hope and self-belief. In secondary schools, basketball has evolved into a classroom without walls, teaching lessons no textbook can offer, teamwork, focus, strategy and the courage to keep going after every missed shot.
From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Kigali, it has nurtured a generation of youths who see in the orange ball not just recreation, but a route to education, empowerment and purpose. For many African pupils, basketball is the bridge between dreams and destiny, a game that lifts the body, sharpens the mind and opens doors to a world far beyond the schoolyard.
In Nigeria, twenty-five years ago, a food giant, Nestlé Nigeria launched MILO Basketball Championship, only few could predict the ripple effect it would have across the nation. What began in 1999 as a modest inter-school basketball contest involving fewer than 500 schools has evolved into Nigeria’s largest and longest-running youth sports program, engaging over 13,000 schools and more than 1.5 million students over the years.
Across the country, from the bustling courts of Lagos to the quiet schoolyards of Minna, the tournament has come to symbolise hope, ambition and the transformative power of sport. For countless young Nigerians, MILO is not just a beverage brand, it is the name behind their first uniform, trophy, taste of discipline and teamwork.
In its early years, the championship served as a bridge between school sports and professional aspirations. At a time when Nigeria’s youth sports ecosystem struggled with limited infrastructure and support, Nestlé Nigeria stepped in to fill a critical gap. Through the MILO Basketball Championship, the company provided structure, coaching and visibility to thousands of students who might otherwise never have touched a competitive court. It was not merely about games, but about giving children especially those in public schools, a platform to dream and to be seen. The sound of bouncing basketballs under the green and white MILO banners became the soundtrack of youth development and possibility.
As the years unfolded, the tournament expanded across all six geopolitical zones, evolving from regional play into a national institution. After the year 2000, the competition became a fixture in the Nigerian school calendar, producing standout talents who would later represent the country in university leagues and international competitions.
The year 2010 marked an era of explosive growth, participation swelled into the tens of thousands and the finals began drawing massive crowds to arenas like the National Stadium in Lagos. Beyond the medals and cheers, it became a classroom in motion, teaching values of teamwork, perseverance and fair play, qualities that Nestlé saw as essential to building champions not just in sport, but in life.
Today, a generation of Nigerians can trace part of their success story to those early MILO basketball tournaments. Some have gone on to study abroad on athletic scholarships, others now coach in schools or serve as mentors in their communities. Their stories are proof that the impact of the championship extends far beyond the court. It is a living example of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) done right by Nestlé Nigeria, where investment in youth development yields social dividends that strengthen communities and shape the nation’s future.
The 25th Anniversary: A Silver Jubilee of Dreams
A quarter century later, the MILO Basketball Championship returned to Lagos where it all began for its 25th anniversary edition. The grand finale, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, was a spectacle of skill, spirit and celebration. Thousands of fans and students filled the stands to witness the best young basketball talents from across the country compete for glory in this milestone edition that united Nigeria’s regions through sport.
In the male category, Father O’Connell Science College, Niger State, clinched their third national title after a breathtaking 66–64 victory over Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Bayelsa State. The win secured Father O’Connell’s place among the tournament’s all-time greats.
On the female side, Government Secondary School, Karu, FCT, finally achieved their long awaited breakthrough, defeating Lanreleke Sports Academy, Osun State, 55–42 to claim their first-ever national crown; a triumph that came after three previous runner-up finishes. The roar that followed their win symbolised not only athletic excellence but resilience, teamwork and the power of persistence.
The Purpose Behind the Passion
For Nestlé Nigeria, the MILO Basketball Championship has always been more than a marketing campaign, it is a social investment rooted in purpose.
In his words at the grand finale, Wassim El-Husseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to youth development through sport.
He said: “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. Take Rueben Abuchi, now at the University of Florida, an NCAA National Champion with the Florida Gators, or Murjanatu Musa, recently drafted into the WNBA and currently playing for the Phoenix Mercury. They started with MILO, and they soared. 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.”
Those words capture the essence of Nestlé’s philosophy and sport as a tool for transformation. By nurturing leadership, confidence and discipline through basketball, Nestlé is investing not just in athletes, but in the character of generations.
Sustaining the Dream: Nestlé’s Annual Commitment
While the company has not publicly disclosed exact financial figures incurred in the championship annually, industry analysts estimate that the company invests hundreds of millions of naira in the MILO Basketball Championship, covering logistics, school outreach, kits, travel, accommodation and rewards.
The 2025 edition alone saw winners in both categories receive ₦3 million each, with runners-up earning ₦2 million, alongside trophies, full kits and Milo product sponsorships. Beyond the financial aspect, the company’s investment in training, inclusion and facilities has created a ripple effect, enhancing sports infrastructure across the country and inspiring state-level programs modeled after the MILO example.
Inclusion, Equality and Impact
This year’s edition also highlighted one of Nestlé’s most powerful commitments, inclusivity. For the first time, the championship featured a dedicated exhibition match for young individuals with disabilities, reaffirming that every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves the chance to participate, compete and thrive.
According to Ifeanyichukwu Orabuche, Category Manager for Beverages, “This championship has become a powerful symbol of the MILO Basketball Championship empowering boys and girls across Nigeria to discover their strength, showcase talents and unlock full potentials. We are not just crowning new champions, we are marking 25 years of transformation, purpose and impact. Because every child who steps onto a MILO basketball court is not just playing a game, they are building the mindset, discipline, and resilience to win in life.”
A Legacy Etched in Nigerian Sport
From early winners like International School, University of Lagos and St. Jude’s Girls’ Secondary School to more recent champions such as Father O’Connell Science College and Government Secondary School, Karu, the MILO Basketball Championship has consistently produced stars who have risen to national and international prominence. It has also built a vast community of coaches, teachers and mentors who continue to shape future champions.
Two and a half decades later, the championship’s legacy stands tall, not merely as a sporting event, but as a nation-building initiative that has given millions of Nigerian youths the courage to dream, the discipline to train and the strength to persevere.
Building Champions for Life
As the lights dimmed at the 25th anniversary finale in Lagos, the sound that lingered was not just the echo of bouncing basketballs; it was the sound of dreams taking flight. Year after year, the MILO Basketball Championship has proven that sport can be a powerful engine for education, empowerment and social progress. For Nestlé Nigeria, that remains the ultimate victory, helping every child who takes a shot on a MILO court to believe in themselves, grow with purpose and go further in life.
