By; Sunny Canto
Following a successful hosting of Season Four (First and 2nd phase) in Calabar and Jos respectively, the stage now is set for more thrilling, record breaking and action moments in the ancient city of Oyo State capital; Ibadan.
However, since February 2023, the MTN champs has been a beacon of hope for grassroot Sports development in Nigeria. Apart from increasing medal hauls for our athletes; coaches; officials and stakeholders have benefited so much.
The Press briefing held today at Oduduwa Hall inside Golden Tulip Hotel, GRA Ibadan highlighted several activities scheduled for the grand finale billed from 14th to 17th April both in Lekan Salami Stadium and University of Ibadan Sports Complex.
While speaking, Mr. Bimbo Akani said, "This initiatives not only foster athletics excellence but also contributes to the educational and mental development of our youths; its reinforce our shared values, philosophy, empowerment and communicate growth"
Ibadan, the record-breaking city of MTN CHAMPS “We’ve never seen these types of numbers anywhere else in the country.”
Akani added, "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has joined us today, including our partners Nigeria School Sport Federation; Athletics Federation of Nigeria; Media practitioners; Oyo State Sport Council; MTN; other stakeholders for your contributions and relentless support.
A record-breaking 3,220 athletes registered for the MTN CHAMPS Season 4 Grand Final in Ibadan. More than the numbers of Calabar and Jos combined
Ibadan is showing up in full force, and the next 4 days are set to be massive.
According to the Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications at Beacon Power Services, Oluchi Obazue commended the organisers and partners of MTN CHAMPS for building a transformative platform.
“MTN CHAMPS represents more than just a competition. It embodies opportunity, visibility, and the future of Nigerian sports. From Calabar to Jos, and now Ibadan, the competition has demonstrated the depth of talent across the country. We are proud of the athletes we have supported.”
While, five times Olympian medalist Chief Mary Onyali (MFR), highlighted the key pillars required to develop elite athletes - funding, media exposure, and strong support systems.
She applauded the collaboration of @mtnng and @makingofchamps and other MTN CHAMPS partners for deeming it fit and throwing their weight behind Nigeria’s young athletic talents.
MTN CHAMPS is a springboard for future global medalists and olympians!
Mr. Idowu Adesokan, General Manager, Consumer Segment, MTN Nigeria, in his keynote address spoke on the ultimate vision of MTN CHAMPS: producing Olympic Champions!
Within one year of receiving world-class training at the MoC Athletics Academy, Team MTN athletes have won 10 international medals and 14 national medals, representing Nigeria at some of the biggest stages.
The impact of MTN CHAMPS is undeniable and the results speak for themselves.
Meanwhile, Cadet (U-14) and Youth (U-17) athletes will take center stage at the University of Ibadan Sports Complex on Days 2 and 3. The Junior (U-20) and senior athletes will remain at the Lekan Salami Stadium throughout the duration of the competition and will be rejoined by the Cadets and Youths on Day 4. MVPs Set for Final Showdown.
As in previous editions, the spotlight will also be on the 20 Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) selected from the earlier legs of the season in Calabar and Jos. These standout athletes will go head-to-head with the best emerging talents from across the country, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a landmark season.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included the:
Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Tunde Ajibike; and Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) Special Adviser (South), HRM Jacob Dairo Olutayo.
Also in attendance were MTN executives Idowu Adesokan and Oluseye Odunsi, alongside Making of Champions (MoC) Founder/CEO, Bambo Akani.
Other prominent figures included Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications at Beacon Power Services, Oluchi Obazue; five-time Olympian Mary Onyali; and MTN CHAMPS Ibadan Ambassador, Enoch Adegoke.
