By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Champs is back for its third season, promising to be the most exciting edition yet. With thousands of young athletes gearing up to compete across stadiums in Nigeria, the track and field championship continues to redefine grassroots sports development in the country.
Launched in 2023 as a collaboration between MTN Nigeria and Making of Champions (MoC), MTN Champs was designed to provide a structured pathway for identifying and nurturing track and field talent. Inspired by Jamaica’s renowned school athletics system, the initiative ensures young athletes receive top-tier facilities, exposure, and recognition to propel their careers forward.
Since its inception, MTN Champs has engaged over 7,000 student-athletes from secondary schools, universities, and local athletic clubs, making it Nigeria’s largest school sports event. The competition is structured into Junior (U-15) and Senior (U-20) categories, ensuring a level playing field for young athletes to showcase their potential.
A Platform for Olympic-Level Talent
MTN Champs features major Olympic-standard disciplines, including sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), middle-distance races (800m, 1500m), and relays (4x100m, 4x400m). Field events such as the long jump, high jump, javelin throw, and shot put further expand opportunities for diverse talents to emerge.
The 2025 edition will take place across three cities: Benin City, Lagos, and Uyo. The competition kicks off in Benin from March 13 to 15 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and University of Benin Sports Complex. Lagos will host the next leg from April 9 to 12 at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos. The grand finale is set for Uyo from April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Each location promises intense competition, passionate crowds, and emerging stars.
Beyond the competition, MTN Champs incorporates fan engagement activities, including live entertainment, interactive sessions on sports careers, health, and youth empowerment. Additionally, the first 500 attendees at each location will receive special giveaways from MoMo.
From MTN Champs to the Olympics
The impact of MTN Champs has already been felt on the global stage, with five standout athletes from the program representing Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Rising stars like Faith Osamuyi, Favour Onyebuchi, and Immaculate Okpe, who excelled in previous editions, secured their spots on Team Nigeria. Notably, 17-year-old Osamuyi, a standout from Season 2, clinched gold in the 100m hurdles and long jump at the Calabar Grand Finale before earning her Olympic debut.
The success of these athletes underscores MTN Champs’ mission to not only discover raw talent but also accelerate their journey to international recognition through elite training and exposure.
A Call to Action for Sports Enthusiasts
MTN Champs Season 3 is open to the public at every stage of the tour, encouraging sports fans, families, and community members to attend and support young athletes. Spectators will have the chance to win prizes, participate in games, and enjoy live performances in between events.
As the championship unfolds in Benin, Lagos, and Uyo, all eyes are on Nigeria’s next generation of track and field stars. Whether you are a scout, a fan, or a first-time visitor, MTN Champs offers an exclusive look at the future of Nigerian athletics.
