By Ado Salisu
Family Support Programme Secondary School, Katsina, and Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, have emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories respectively at this year’s Nestlé Milo Inter-Secondary Schools Basketball Savannah Conference held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Sani Abacha Sports Complex, Kofar Mata, Kano.
In the boys’ final, the Katsina team edged Government Secondary School, Numan, Adamawa State, 63-62 in a thrilling encounter to clinch the title.
The girls’ final also produced exciting action as Government Secondary School, Zing, Taraba State, defeated Government Girls College, Bauchi, 53-43 to emerge champions.
To reach the final, the Katsina boys defeated Dutse Model International School, Jigawa State, 75-60 in the semi-final, while Government Mega College, Doma, Gombe State, lost 40-63 to the Taraba girls’ team in the second semi-final.
The two winning teams are expected to represent the Savannah Conference at the national finals scheduled to hold later in the year at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Highlights of the event included cultural dance performances by participants, presentation of gifts, Nestlé Milo products, cheques and trophies to outstanding players and winning teams.
Among dignitaries at the colourful closing ceremony were the President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph; Nestlé Milo Category Development Manager, Funmilola Abiola Oyewole; and Head Coach of the national basketball team, Sani Ahmad.
Meanwhile, the Central Conference will hold in Ilorin, Kwara State, while the Atlantic Conference is scheduled for Asaba, Delta State, and the Western Conference will take place in Ibadan, Oyo State.
