Nestle Milo Inter Secondary Schools basketball finals begins in Lagos

The final stage of the 25th edition of Inter secondary schools Nestle Milo basketball championship for boys and girls categories commenced at the indoor sports Hall of the national stadium Surulere, Lagos.

The championship which is being organized by the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF inconjuction with other relevant agencies with aims catch them young.

After the four conferences held in Kano, Asaba, Delta state, Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja and Oyo state which produced the winners, the final stage of the championship is expected to be unique, as the organisers and sponsors are set to celebrate the 25th edition of the championship.

The NSSF President Mrs Olabisi Joseph who spoke through the federation's spokesperson, Sagir Sani said arrangements have been put in place towards the success of the competitions.

While expressing appreciation to the key stakeholders and all those who have contributed in one way or the other for the success recorded for over two decades, she pledged that NSSF will continue to do their best in order to develop various sporting activities in the country.

The President however, commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission NSC, led by Malam Shehu Dikko, and the competition's sponsors for their commitment and support to the development of sports across the country.

Earlier, some of the matches played, Bayelsa defeated Adamawa 41-23 and Osun beat Oyo 40-30 in the girls category while the boys category saw Lagos pipped Bayelsa 40-37 and Adamawa manage 43-40 victory over Abuja.

The matches continue tomorrow at the same venue.

Despite insecurity, Zamfara students excel at Savannah conference basketball in Kano

Despite the insecurity challenge, representative of Zamfara state in the ongoing Savannah Conference inter secondary schools basketball championship for boys and girls are in high spirit and make an impact in the tournament.

The head of school sports under the special services in the state ministry of education, Malam Sagir Sani stated this shortly after Sambo Secondary schools, Busau, and Government girls day secondary school, Samaru, Zamfara state walked over their opponents from Yobe state held at the indoor sports hall of Sani Abacha Sports Complex, Kofar Mata, Kano.

Malam Sagir Sani explained that his players (boys and girls) were gradually making efforts to ensure picking a point in the matches.

He described the performance of the players as highly impressive, calling on them to redouble efforts especially in projecting the good image of Zamfara as far as sports was concerned in the country.

While expressing gratitude to the the state Governor Dr Dauda Lawan and the state Commissioner of science and technology, Malam Wada Tau Madawaki as well as the Executive Chairman of Senior Secondary schools Education board for their total support morally and financially to the students.

Malam Sagir Sani who double as the NSSF's Public Relations officer assured that the coaches would go back to the drawing board to review the matches with a view to actualize their set objective.

However, he appealed to the state government as a matter of urgency to improve the schools various facilities aimed at developing the students' skills in future sporting events in the state and the country at large.

....As NSSF VP four hails participants, officiating officials

the Vice President four of the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF, Malam Aminu Sarkin Fada has applauded the participants for their commitment and sportsmanship in the championship.

He made the commendation in the ongoing Savannah Conference Nestle Milo basketball championship in Kano.

Malam Aminu Sarkin Fada said that the championship has contributed immensely to the development of the game in the country, assuring that the NSSF will do it's best to ensure more national and international players were produce in the tournament.

On officiating and general organisation, he expressed satisfaction with the performance of the referees and good facilities in Kano.

Today Tuesday is a free day as the NSSF is also organizing clinic for the participating coaches in order to improve their technical knowledge of the game from 8am to 11 am at the competition's venue, Kofar Mata. 

Four states have already qualified for the semi final of the competition namely Bauchi, Adamawa, Gombe and the host state Kano. The semi final will hold on Wednesday in the morning.

The winners for boys and girls in the Savannah conference will represent the zone in the stage of the championship scheduled to hold later in the year in Lagos.

NSSF tasks Students as Milo basketball begins in Kano

Students taking part in the 25th edition of Nestle Milo inter secondary schools basketball championship for boys and girls have been urged to utilize the competition as ladder for greener pasture.

The Savannah Conference which begins today Saturday attracted seven state so far namely: Yobe. Borno, Katsina, Bauchi, Adamawa, Zamfara and host state Kano in attendance.

The Secretary General of the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF, Oba Funsho Usman PhD made the while addressing the participant states at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sani Abacha Sports complex Kofar Mata.

Oba Funsho Usman PhD said that the championship started almost three decades has produced big stars national and international players who are currently playing in United States of America USA and other foreign countries earning big money.

"This is the real grassroots tournament which we call it catch them young. The NSSF are proud of being part of the organisers and supported by Nestle Milo company,'' he explained.

On the screening exercise conducted before the commencement of the matches, he expressed satisfaction with way and manner, the coordinators presented the real age bracket of the students (Under-17).

The Secretary General however, said that leadership of NSSF led by Mrs Olabisi Joseph would continue to do their best towards promoting and development of various sporting activities in the country, calling to other multi corporate bodies to complete Government efforts in this direction.

In some of the matches played, Ahmadiyya College basketball team whitewashed Federal Polytechnic Staff School, Damaturu 27-06 points in the girls categories, Government Girls College, Bauchi also hammered its Government Girls Secondary school, Dutsen Tsafe, Katsina 28-01 points.

The matches continue tomorrow Sunday at the same venue.

Basketball: Students welfare is my priority says NSSF President

The President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF. Olabisi Joseph says that taking care of students welfare is paramount ahead of the 25th edition of inter secondary schools basketball conferences for boys and girls in four centres.

Olabisi Joseph dropped this hints while addressing the centre's coordinators and some key stakeholders at the NSSF Secretariat, Lagos.

The federation and the competition's sponsors, Nestle Milo Company would continue to work collectively with a view to improve the championship.

The President assured all the participants measures have been taken to ensure a befitting colourful conferences and the final stage of the championship scheduled to hold later in the year at the Indoor Sports Hall of the national stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

While expressing appreciation to all the stakeholders for their unflinching support, she urged them to sustain the tempo towards the overall development of various sporting events in the state and the country in general.

The conference will.commece next week May 2nd in Kano where ten state namely: Borno. Yobe. Jigawa, Bauchi, Taraba. Zamfara. Katsina, Adamawa, Home and host state Kano will competed for boys and girls competition.

Both winners for boys and girls categories will represent the Savannah in the final stage of the tournament.

NSSF summons meeting ahead basketball conferences in four states

The President of the Nigerian Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph has invited four hosting states ahead of the 25th edition of Nestle Milo basketball championship for boys and girls categories from April 23rd to 25th in Lagos.

The four hosting state include Kano, Oyo, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja while the grand final stage of the championship will be play in Lagos later in the year.

A statement signed by the NSSF's Secretary General, Ola Funsho Usman PhD and made it available to newsmen, said the president directed to invite the state coordinators to ascertain and discuss the level of preparations aimed at ensuring a befitting and hitch free conferences.

The President assured that the federation will continue to do their best towards promoting and development of various sporting events in the state and the country at large.

While expressing appreciation to the National Sports Commission, the sponsors of basketball, Nestle Milo company, 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja as well as other stakeholders for their positive contribution and support, she called for more partnership with multiple corporate bodies and government at all level towards engaging the teeming youth through sporting competitions and academically.

The statement then announced that Kano state will run Savannah Conference from May 2nd to 9th, the Central conference from May 10th to 17th in Abuja, Atlantic conference is from 20th to 27th while Western conference will take place from May 28th to June 4th in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Kano holds colourless state Nestle Milo basketball finals

...As Ahmadiyya College emerge champions for boys and girls categories 

Ahmadiyya College Basketball teams boys and girls have emerged winners of this year's Kano state Nestle Milo basketball final held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Sani Abacha Sports Complex Kofar Mata Kano.

The 25th edition of the championship which was organized by Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF attracted over 300 secondary schools boys and girls in attendance.

Although this year's edition was colourless as no top government officials and no Nestle Milo representatives at the final. And the two winners went back to their respective schools without certificates or trophies at the end of the final which attracted a larger turn out spectators.

In the boys category, Ahmadiyya College basketball team defeated it's Government Secondary school, Gwarzo counterpart 17-15 points while Ahmadiyya girls also outshine Government Girls College GGC. Dala 09-03 points.

Ahmadiyya College basketball teams are to represent Kano in the upcoming Savannah Conference scheduled to hold on May 2, 2025 in Kano as the host state.

The other states expected in Kano during the conference include Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Taraba. Yobe. Gombe. Borno. Bauchi, and Adamawa.

Speaking shortly after the final, the head of school sports of Kano state ministry of education, Ibrahim Bello commended the participants for their maximum support and cooperation throughout the championship.

On the issues of non participations of the tournament's sponsors, Nestle Milo, he decline to comment.

When contacted on phone, the NSSF President, Olabisi Joseph prove abortive 

It would be recalled that the sponsors supposed to kitted the finalists for both boys and girls, trophies, Certificates and others souvenirs at the state final.

DAM foundation and basketball development in Kano - By Ado Salisu

The resuscitation of the inter-tertiary institution basketball championship organised in collaboration with Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha (DAM) Foundation is a welcome development. for the advancement of the game and others in the country. 

DAM Foundation is powered by a veteran basketball player who is now the Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria.

The contribution of the DAM Foundation gave impetus to the just concluded 1st Kanawa inter-tertiary institution basketball championship This is a sign of the restoration of the game of basketball and other games that have not been competed for in the not too distant past.

Indeed, the collaboration of Adam Foundation with other stakeholders in sports industry has gone far in complementing the efforts of Kano state government towards the overall development of various sporting events particularly basketball event in the state.

Been a home of basketball, following its track record and achievements recorded by the state darling team: Kano Pillars basketball team, which excelled in the 80s and upto 90s.

All these feats accomplished by the state, especially at grassroots and national levels, can be linked to the commitment and support from the relevant agencies and sponsors as well as the dedication from the players which enabled them to project the good image of the state.

In those days, a lot of competitions were organised by various sponsors in collaboration with the Kano state Basketball Association under which aegis many players were produced. Many of them went on to represent the state at national and international levels.

No doubt the Kofar Nassarawa basketball courts became the springboard for their successes by contributing positively to the horning of their skills, thus paving way for coaches to recruit hidden talented players during local tournaments.

Those frequent inter Tertiary institutions and secondary schools basketball championships produced players like Sani Ahmad, Aminu Datti, Rabiu Tukur, Muktar Adamu Khalid, Ado Wayo, Alto, Sanbo Yusuf, Ali Muhammad Ali and many others.

Some of them, who featured as products of Kano Pillars basketball team were invited and played for the national basketball team. Others have been privileged to secure places in foreign clubs in Angola and United States of America among others countries.

The resuscitation of the inter Tertiary institution basketball competition now is a clear indication that the game will certainly restore it lost glory in the state.

However, there is the need for multi corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to complement Kano state government efforts in supporting sports generally as government along cannot shoulder all the responsibilities of re-energizing the game.

No doubt, this synergy between the state government and good spirited sports lovers will go a long way in moving the game and others like it forward. This is considering the fact that sports has been playing key role in cementing the cordial relationship and unity between various ethnic groups. Overall, all these add up to projecting the good image of the state and the country at large.

The spirit and letter of the resuscitation was exhilarating. It witnessed the convergence of veteran basketball players such as the Vice Chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu university, KHAIRUN, Professor Abdulrashid Garba, the former Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Professor Mustapha Isa, hitherto national team coaches: Scott Nnaji and Sani Ahmad; former administrators: the Vice Chancellor of Baba Ahmad University, Professor Idris Tanko, the chairman of technical committee of the Nigerian University Games Association, NUGA, Professor Musa Garba Yakasai AA, the former Registrar of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil and member governing council, Dr. Aminu Bello Dan Iyan Makaman Kano, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Professor Abubakar Salisu Garba and the director of sports BUK, Professor Rabiu Muhammad popularly known as Chanhu.

Speaking at the final, a coordinator of DAM Foundation, Abdulmajid Abdullahi expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the tournament.

Abdullahi assured that the foundation will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders with the aim to develop the game in the state and the country in general.

In his remarks, the coordinator of the championship, Sanusi Shuaibu Badway, thanked the sponsors and the participants for their commitment towards the success of the event.

Meanwhile, BUK basketball team emerged the overall winner after beating its Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil 49-20 points to go home with a giant trophy and one hundred thousand naira, while runners up went home with the second trophy and seventy thousand naira only.

Northwest University Kano took the third place prize with a trophy and fifty thousand naira and KHAIRUN won the most disciplined team while Abubakar Muhammad of BUK win the Most Valuable Player MVP.

It is on this note that the DAM Foundation deserves commendation for its commitment and support to the revitalization as well as gingering of the younger generation of basketballers in the state.

1st Kanawa Tertiary institution basketball championship: KHAIRUN VC tasks students on academic and sports

Students have been urged to utilize their potential skills both academically and sporting events in order to actualize their set objectives in life.

The Vice chancellor of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu university KHAIRUN, Professor Abdulrashid Garba made the call during the on going 1st Kanawa Tertiary institution basketball championship semi- final between Bayero university Kano BUK and KHAIRUN' held at BUK old site basketball court.

Professor Abdulrashid Garba who described sports nowaday as a lucrative venture and at the same time use it to unite different ethnic groups for the development of the country.

The vice chancellor charged the students to exhibits sportsmanship as both players were brothers.

While expressing gratitude to the sponsors of the tournament, he called on other wealthy individuals and corporate organisations to contribute their quota towards the overall development of various sporting events in higher institutions and the country at large.

"Honestly speaking I'm really impress with the general organisation of the championship and we hope this kind of tournament will be sustain quarterly or annually so as it will keep the students to develop their skills," he explained.

In the first semi final played Bayero university Kano BUK hammered KHAIRUN 60-13 points. With this victory, BUK has qualified for the final of the championship scheduled to hold tomorrow Saturday at the same venue.

KHAIRUN, BUK two others for 1st Kanawa Tertiary institution basketball championship semi- final tomorrow

Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu university KHAIRUN basketball team will lock horns with Bayero university Kano BUK in the first semi final of the on-going  1st Kanawa Tertiary institution basketball championship.

The second semi final is between Aliko Dangote university of science and technology Wudil and Northwest University Kano .

The matches will be played at the BUK basketball court tomorrow Friday from 4:pm to 6:pm.

The competition which is organised in collaboration with DAM Foundation as a training ground ahead of zonal preliminaries and Nigerian University Games Association NUGA proper scheduled to hold at Jos university in May, 2025.

Speaking on the tournament, the chairman of NUGA technical committee, Professor Musa Garba Yakasai AA described the championship as a way of training and recruit hidden talented students for zonal and national engagements.

While commending the DAM Foundation for supporting and sponsoring the  championship, he urged them to extend the sponsorship to NUGA in order to complement it commitment to the development of various sporting events in the country.

Meanwhile, the vice chancellor of Bayero University Kano , Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas alongside other stakeholders and the Director General of National Energy commission, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha are expected to attend the closing ceremony scheduled for tomorrow Saturday at the same venue by 4pm.

NSSF: National Inter-Secondary Schools Boys, Girls Milo Basketball Tournament Wind up

This year's national inter secondary schools Milo basketball will end today Friday at the indoor sports hall of the national stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The tournament which is being organised by the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF and sponsors by the Nestle Milo, attracted the host state Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Niger, Cross River, Oyo, Bayelsa and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.

 Speaking the national president of the Nigerian School Sports Federation NSSF, Olabisi Joseph said arrangements are in top gear towards a colourful final.

Joseph said that the federation in conjunction with the company have successfully organizing the tournament for over two decades which contributed in discovery of hidden talented and skillful players across the country.

She added most of the men and women national basketball players currently were the product of NSSF tournaments, calling on more corporate organisations to complement the state and the federal government efforts in this regard.

The President said that the federation will continue to do its best especially in the area of grassroots development aimed at sustaining the high profile of the country at international engagements.

While expressing appreciate to all those who have contributed in one ways or the other, she charged the executive members of the federation and the sports coordinators across the country to continue to project and promote various sporting events in order to actualize the set objectives

Meanwhile, Rumfa College basketball team, the representative of Kano state in the tournament has make an impact in the championship.

The director of sports in Kano state ministry of education, Malam Ibrahim Bello stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Bello said despite the fact that Team Kano lost in the semi final against its Niger state counterpart, the boys deserve commendation for their commitment and determination during the match.

The director however applauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unflinching support morally and financially to the state contingent.

Bello assured that the state ministry of education will do everything possible to ensure they continue projecting the good image of the state at various national competition in the country.