Bayelsa and Benue will battle for the girls’ title at the 26th Nestlé Milo Secondary School Basketball Championships.
The final will feature two of the competition’s most successful teams.
St. Jude Amarata, Bayelsa, will face Government Secondary School, Gboko, Benue, in the decider.
Amarata defeated Lanreleke, Ilegbo, Osun, 61-45 in their opening match at the championships.
They later lost 65-39 to Benue but progressed to the semi-finals after strong performances.
The Bayelsa girls defeated Ado Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, 46-42 to book their place in the final.
Gboko’s girls, regarded as the fans’ favourites, have produced a dominant run throughout the tournament.
They defeated teams from Osun and Bayelsa before crushing Urhobo College, Effurun, Delta, 62-35.
Gboko’s form has made them favourites ahead of the final scheduled for Thursday.
However, Bayelsa coach Tony Nelson expressed confidence ahead of the championship clash.
“Anything is possible. My players are no pushovers, and we are not new to this championship. We will work harder and prove our doubters wrong,” Nelson said.
Meanwhile, Lanre Balogun, Executive Secretary of the National Sports Foundation, praised Nestlé Milo Plc.
Balogun said the company had sponsored the competition for 26 years and supported youth development.
He said the Milo championships had discovered talents who later represented Nigeria internationally.
Balogun added that Nestlé had helped reduce travel risks caused by insecurity challenges.
“Year in year out, Nestlé has never disappointed and has never backed out. We have also continued putting in efforts to ensure the success of the events,” Balogun said.
He praised the company’s decision to fly players and officials for distant matches.
“They did not want to compromise the risks involved in road travel due to insecurity,” he said.
Balogun said the young athletes had delivered remarkable performances throughout the championship.
He added that many players had been identified as future champions ready for bigger stages.
Thirteen teams began the search for national champions on Saturday.
The tournament is being held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.