By; Sunny Canto
Excitedly, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, MTN Nigeria, has announced a major return to grassroots athletics as MTN CHAMPS Season 4 kickstarted with millions of naira committed to youths development and unearthing future athletic stars across the nation.
The fourth edition of the MTN-sponsored schools athletics tournament is billed to commence in Calabar at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar. Cross River State capital, from 5th to 7th, March 2026, where the MTN CHAMPS Athletics Classics will kick off the Season 4 calendar.
Meanwhile, the unveiling ceremony was held at Diamond Hall, inside The Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar during a press briefing that was attended by top management staff; officials of the telecommunications company.
Speaking at the conference, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Oyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said the decision to host the championship in Calabar was influenced by the state’s hospitality and rich sporting tradition.
“This is why MTN is delighted to bring Champs back to Calabar, because it is a place where talents truly grow,” she said.
While stating “The funds are intended to strengthen school sports programmes and encourage broader participation in athletics,”
Reflecting on the impact of the Making of Champions initiative over the years, Ikenna-Emeka noted that more than 22,000 young athletes from about 300 schools across Nigeria have participated in the last three seasons. She added that 30 outstanding athletes have been enrolled in the MTN Champs Academy, where they receive world-class training and mentorship.
She outlined the prize structure for the competition. The overall winners will receive ₦2 million, while second place will earn ₦1.5 million. Third-place finishers will receive ₦1 million, and fourth place will go home with ₦500,000. In addition, schools that turn out in large numbers will receive special financial rewards.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Making of Champions, Yemi Galadima, described the championship as a platform for national development, capacity building, and youth empowerment through sports.
She disclosed that about 1,000 athletes from 121 schools are expected to compete in Calabar across four categories: Cadet (Under-14), Youth (Under-17), Junior (Under-20), and Senior. “Here in Calabar, over the next few days, we are hoping to see new talents emerge and new possibilities come to the limelight,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the National School Sports Festival, Pastor Emmanuel Obong expressed satisfaction with the achievements recorded by the Making of Champions initiative in previous seasons and expressed optimism that the same success would be replicated in Calabar.
The organizers called on school administrators, principals, and teachers to encourage students to participate actively, noting that schools with strong attendance will be rewarded.
With the championship set to begin, Calabar is expected to witness vibrant sporting activities as young athletes compete for honors and opportunities on a national stage.
As activities begin at the U.J. Esuene Stadium from March 5 to 7, Calabar is already getting ready for the excitement. More than 1,000 athletes representing 121 schools are expected to compete in close to 100 events, setting the stage for what promises to be another landmark edition of MTN Champs in Nigeria’s pursuit of international sporting excellence.
MTN CHAMPS is already Nigeria’s largest secondary school athletics platform, with past seasons attracting thousands of competitors. Season 4 has been expanded to feature close to 94 track and field events across four age categories. Cadet, Youth, Junior and Senior, offering broad participation for students and other athletes alike.
Apart from making veteran quarter-miler and three-time Olympian, Patience Okon-George, joins the MTN CHAMPS family, as an Ambassador for the first leg in Calabar, a city she proudly calls home.
A multiple Nigerian 400m champion, she now steps into a new role: inspiring and grooming the next generation of grassroots athletes.
“When I heard I was named an ambassador, I was very happy. Being an Ambassador, you have to support the Athletes, help develop and groom them. With MTN CHAMPS, young athletes can aspire to be like me.”
As Calabar hosts the first leg of Season 4, it’s only fitting that one of its finest leads the charge.
The Tech giant firm has raised the bar, offering 7-figure prizes to top-performing schools, AND special cash prizes for team attendance.
Beyond the financial incentives, MTN CHAMPS continues to serve as a powerful platform for talent discovery and the advancement of Nigerian athletics.
In summary, one must applaud the tireless efforts of Mrs. Emamoke Ogoro and her team for a commendable job in creating a viable and valuable platform for empowering young talents in Nigeria.
