Father O’Connell Science College and Government Secondary School, Karu, won the MILO National Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, earning Nigeria’s first-ever spots at the African School Sports Games in Algeria.
Father O’Connell Science College of Niger State and Government Secondary School, Karu (FCT) have emerged as the new champions of the 25th MILO National Secondary Schools Basketball Championship.
Niger and Abuja made history as Nigeria’s worthy representatives for the inaugural African School Sports Games in Algeria next month.
Thrilling Finals at National Stadium, Surulere
The 2025 MILO National Secondary Schools Basketball Championship finale, held at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, ended in dramatic fashion with Niger State’s Father O’Connell Science College clinching the boys’ title and FCT’s Government Secondary School, Karu, securing the girls’ crown.
Father O’Connell edged out Bishop Dimeari Grammar School, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, in a nail-biting 66-64 overtime victory, finally claiming their first national title after consecutive near misses in 2023 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Government Secondary School, Karu, dominated Lanreleke Academy, Ile-Ogbo, Osun State, with a convincing 55-42 win to lift their maiden championship trophy.
Victoria Dike of GSS Karu and Levi Samuel of Father O’Connell were named Most Valuable Players (MVP) in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively, recognising their outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
Strong Contenders and Historic Representation
Beyond the champions, the competition saw fierce battles for podium finishes. In the boys’ category, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, Abuja secured third place, followed by Government Secondary School, Adamawa in fourth, David Hall International College, Ikoyi, Lagos in fifth, and Ahmadiyya College, Kano rounding out the top six.
In the girls’ division, Government Secondary School, Yola, Adamawa finished third, with St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Bayelsa in fourth, Onireke High School, Oyo in fifth, and Ahmadiyya College, Kano in sixth place.
With these results, Father O’Connell and Government Secondary School, Karu will proudly represent Nigeria at the first-ever African School Sports Games in Algeria, setting a historic milestone for Nigerian school sports and basketball development on the continent.