By Babatunde Ogunrinde
The 26th Nestlé Milo Secondary School Basketball Championships continued on Monday with exciting quarter-final matches.
Davidhall International College, Ikoyi, Lagos, continued their impressive form with a 51-47 victory over Urhobo College.
The Lagos team later defeated Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, 61-53, to confirm their semi-final spot.
King Amakree Academy, Obuama, Degema, Rivers, defeated Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, Life Camp, FCT, 52-47.
The victory secured Rivers their first-ever semi-final qualification in the history of the national championships.
Urhobo College, Effurun, Delta, also reached the semi-finals after defeating Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, 55-47.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the tournament started on Saturday, featuring six male and six female teams.
The competing schools are battling for the national championship trophy in the prestigious basketball competition.
Former champions Father O’Connell Science College, Minna, Niger, defeated King Amakree Academy, Rivers, 57-48.
The Niger side also overcame Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, FCT, 38-34, to advance further.
Several coaches praised Nestlé Milo for consistently promoting youth development through basketball across Nigeria.
They said the championship had helped young players discover talents and stay away from negative influences.
The coaches added that Nestlé’s commitment showed its dedication to empowering youths through sporting activities nationwide.
Coach Tunde Ojedije, who led the FCT team, expressed excitement about the quality of the competition.
He said, “The level of competition is high, and players believe Nestlé Milo Basketball brings out their best.”
Ojedije urged more organisations to support grassroots sports development and create opportunities for young athletes.
Coach Bashir Muktar from Katsina State praised his players in spite of missing qualification for the semi-final stage.
He said the team achieved a major milestone by reaching their first-ever national championship appearance.
“Although we did not progress, I am grateful for the players’ performance and commitment,” Muktar said.
He added that the experience was valuable and the team would prepare harder for next year.
Coach Kenny Edogun of Delta’s Urhobo College described the championship as highly competitive and remarkable.
He said having top schools nationwide competing for honours showed the growth of secondary school basketball.
“The boys played hard to reach this stage, and reaching the podium would be wonderful,” Edogun said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo