By Ayomide Ottitoju
MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future Olympians with the launch of Season 3 of the MTN Champs athletics competition in Benin City, Edo State.
The grassroots sports initiative, designed to discover and develop young talent, has already made a significant impact, with five athletes from previous editions set to represent Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics—just two years after the competition’s inception in 2023.
Speaking at the launch, Osaze Ebueku, Senior Manager, Go-to-Market at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the company’s long-term vision.
“Our message from day one has been clear: we’re building future Olympians for Nigeria,” Ebueku said. “MTN Champs is not just a competition—it’s a life-changing opportunity for young athletes.”
The third season has attracted 2,056 athletes in Benin alone, with the competition scheduled to hold across three cities—Benin (March 13-15), Lagos (April 9-12), and Uyo (April 30-May 3) for the Grand Final—featuring a total of 7,000 participants.
Bambo Akani, founder and CEO of Making of Champions, MTN’s partner in executing the competition, underscored the program’s impact on grassroots sports development.
“We’re identifying ‘rough diamonds’ and refining them into world champions,” Ebueku added. “This is a long-term commitment, and we are working closely with our partners to elevate Nigeria’s athletics scene.”
The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has backed the initiative, approving the use of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and providing logistical support, reinforcing the growing recognition of MTN Champs as a transformative force in Nigerian sports.
As the competition progresses, the spotlight will be on young athletes in Benin, Lagos, and Uyo, as MTN continues its mission of fostering Nigeria’s next generation of Olympic stars.
