By Ayomide Otitoju
The MTN CHAMPS Uyo Grand Final wrapped up on May 9 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, bringing an end to a thrilling four-day athletics meet that showcased some of Nigeria’s brightest young talents. A total of 2,187 athletes competed in the season finale, which concluded with the unveiling of the Top 10 Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) from Uyo — completing the 30-athlete MVP roster for the season.
The grand finale featured a vibrant closing ceremony attended by key dignitaries, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh; and top MTN Nigeria executives.
Delivering the keynote address, Modupe Kadiri, Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, celebrated the athletes’ accomplishments, noting that the competition had “shattered personal bests, forged new rivalries, and unveiled champions set to shine nationally and internationally.”
Kadiri added that three of the current MVPs already hail from Akwa Ibom and expressed confidence in their future global representation.
Representing Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko commended MTN’s grassroots sports initiative, aligning it with the federal government’s youth-focused sports development agenda. “This project aligns with the president’s vision to provide young people with a platform for a better future,” he said.
Medals were presented across various categories including sprint, middle-distance, and field events, with athletes setting new personal records. Faith Odumoso clinched the sprint double in the Senior Women’s category, winning the 200m in 24.17s. She was followed by Team MTN’s Miracle Donald (24.45s PB) and Jane Onyeneho (24.48s). In the Senior Men’s 200m, Bayelsa’s Akumodogiyo Shalom George claimed victory, with Victor Marcus Williams and Pelumi Emmanuel Adesunloro taking silver and bronze.
Faith Chukwuma secured gold in the Junior Women’s 200m, while Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo and Team MVP’s Tejiri Ugoh completed the podium. Ezekiel Asuquo earned his second gold in the Junior Men’s 200m (21.39s), adding to his earlier 400m win.
Team MVP dominated the Youth Girls’ 200m, led by Bernice Onoriode’s personal best of 25.52s. The Youth Boys’ title went to Onyemech Peter Onoriode (22.74s PB). In the Cadet 200m events, Ebimoboere Christopher and Abdulaleem Abdulsalam took top honours in the girls’ and boys’ categories, respectively.
In the men’s 800m, Akwa Ibom athletes Inimfon Akaso and Edidiong Udotong placed first and third, with Real Overcomers’ Solomon Josiah finishing second. Other standout performers included Saviour Alexander (Junior Men’s 800m), Elizabeth Olumide (Junior Women’s 800m), and Karo Onisuru (Youth Girls’ High Jump). Clergy Edet and Chukwuemeka Alozie claimed gold in the Senior Women’s and Men’s High Jump.
Relay victories were split, with Team MVP sweeping the Cadet and Youth 4x100m races, and Team MTN taking top positions in the Junior and Senior 4x100m events.
While the Uyo Grand Final marked the end of the competitive season, MTN emphasized that the journey is far from over. The focus now shifts to further nurturing these athletes—building a talent pipeline from grassroots to global arenas.
