By; Sunny Canto
Five times Olympian and medalist; Chief Ambassador Mary Onyali recently in Ibadan reiterates the fundamental precepts required to develop elite athletes which include sponsors, trained Media experts, and stakeholders constant support.
“MTN CHAMPS gives the country something to look forward to, and MoC is building a team of athletes hungry to break my records. These prodigy's and stars are the investments for the future.” she said.
The legand and Ambassador who was spotted smiling with the MTN Champs flag during the Opening Ceremony at the ongoing grand finale in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Onyali, of course is the perfect role model for young athletes to aspire to be like. And the renown African sprinter also, featured at five Olympic games, and won 2 Olympic medals; Bronze medal in the 4 by 100m relay in Barcelona (1992) Olympics games as well as 1996 Atlanta Olympics where she cliinnched bronze medal in the 200m events. Besides, she competed in five Olympics games between 1988 and 2004 for Nigeria.
Similarly, forrmer Nigeria 100m champion and 2020 Olympic (100m) Men finalist: Enoch Adegoke expressed appreciation for his role as Ibadan MTN Champs Ambassador and called for increased corporate support.
“You may have seen great performances in Calabar and fast times in Jos, but Ibadan promises to be even greater.” he add.
Fascinately, Enoch Adegoke has stunned to victory in the Men 100m finals at 10.14secs while Chidera Ezeakor came second with 10.15s, leaving Osama Chibueze, the triple Niger Delta Champion at third position with his personal best of 10.35s.
Meanwhile, the tech giats; MTN has confirmed its vision for grassroots sport development in Nigeria. Besides, the partnering with Making of Champions (CEO) among others to give this athletes a platform to strive in their career.
Speaking on behalf of MTN, the General Manager, Consumer Segment Mr. Idowu Adesokan, described the Grand Final as another defining moment in the competition’s journey.
“This is another defining moment in the MTN CHAMPS journey. In 2023, MTN launched CHAMPS with a clear vision to discover, nurture, and develop young athletes. Across the country, we have seen athletes push their limits.
“Nigeria is rich in talent and potential, waiting for the right platform to emerge. Through this initiative, we have identified and selected 30 exceptional athletes. This initative can produce Olympic champions, and I believe we have started that journey.”
Whille, the MoC pioneer and CEO Mr. Bambo Akani thanked and applauded partners as well as stakeholders while reflecting on the competition’s rapid growth and impact on Nigerians.
“It feels very good to be back here for the third time in four seasons. The three events held in Ibadan are the top three in terms of registration. I want to appreciate MTN for being the turning point in helping us scale the event, and Beacon Power Services for their continued support through scholarships to our athletes.”
Akani also acknowledged the support of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the NSSF, and the Oyo State Government for providing an enabling environment, noting that the Grand Final will take place across two venues: the Lekan Salami Stadium and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex.
Note: The MVPs selected from Calabar are: Miracle Festus Okon, Ayi Blessing Sekibo, Success Onyinyechi Onu, Emediong Aniefiok Sunday, Glory Bassey, David Miracle, Chisom Ezeh, Ruth Samuel John, Eze Chukwuma Onyema, Daniel Okwokwo, Promise Somtochukwu Goodluck, and Etieno Israel.
While the likes off Bakare Rofiat Boluwatife, Josephine Onyemauche, Weynom Shabi, Precious Gift Ishaku, Faith Onumadu, Zikirullah Ibrahim, David Dada Stephen, and Nuhu Bamaiyi are picked from Jos.
Conclusively, there's a brighter future for our young athletes in the country if legendary; Mary Oyali, Daniel Igali, Aruna Quadri, Blessing Oborodudu, Yusuf Ali, Funke Oshonaike, Deji Aliu, Patient Okon-George, Olusoji Fasuba, Chika Chukwumerije, Gabriel Okon-Akpan, Jay-Jay Okocha among others are in the herm of affairs as Leards.
