By; Sunny Canto
Excitedly, the amazing journey from Calabar to Jos, ended in Ibadan with thrilling moments during the final day at the Lekan Salami Stadium, as the last set of medals were concluded to close the curtains on the MTN CHAMPS (season four) Grand Final in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
In the junior Girl's category, Bernice Onoriode recorded one of the standout performances of the meet in the Youth (U-17) 100m final with a new Personal Best (PB) of 11.88s (0.3). The prodigy sprinter displayed exceptional talents with consistent performance throughout the three rounds on PB.
Despite been Coached daily by her Father after School activities; she finished ahead of Team Beacon Power Services’ (BPS) Rebecca Enilolobo with her resislent display of prowess thereby equalled her own PB of 12.07s for Silver, while Rodia Ibrahim claimed Bronze in 12.16s.
According to her Father; Coach Felix Onoriode "Nothing rewarding like helping others achieve their dreams, I am so grateful to God for making me a vessel of pure Joy, congratu to Faith Onumadu and Shabi Weynom for emerging as one of the MVPs of the just concluded MTN champs season 4, Ibadan 2026.
Onoriode continued "Our athletes need to stay focused, determine also, follow-up with training schedules and nutrition advice" he added.
More also, the Youth Girls’ 200m race, Benice Onoriode was crown champion in a time of 24.44s, a dominant outing and Glory Asuquo won second position in a time of (25.25s) as Racheal Afuape (25.52s) added to her double.
The General Manager, Brand and Communication (Mrs. Emamoke Ogoro) while deelivering her speech, said "This historical and eventful MTN Champs (Season 4) in Ibadan has increased Nigeria medal hauls and enhanced athletes performance, including those in Schools that are standing tall" she said.
Ogoro adding, the MTN CHAMPS is a program in Nigeria that aims to unearth and foster athletic talent across the country. It is modeled after the Jamaican High school CHAMPS and is poised to become the primary platform for identifying, nurturing promising athletes who could go on to represent Nigeria in prestigious International competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships" she told.
"We focus on discovering and developing athletics potential through MTN CHAMPS and transforming the sporting landscape in Nigeria. Through this program, talented individuals from all corners of the country will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and receive the training and support they need to reach their full potential as a world-class stage" Ojoro finalized.
Incredible job from merciless Fervent Edet who matched that feat in the boys’ category, winning his second GOLD medal of the meet in the 200m with a time of 22.45s. Christian Rotimi Alfred (23.05s) and Kareem Ayatullahi (23.26s) finished second and third respectively.
Astonishing display from Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo who sprinted 23.48s (-1.1) to claim the title in the Junior (U-20) women’s 200m final, holding off a strong challenge from Faith Chukwuma, who posted a PB of 23.53s. Tejiri Ugoh finished third in 23.67s.
A stunning performance in the men’s 200m Men title as Ghana’s Kazali Iddrisu clinched Gold in 21.28s, ahead of Liberty Okon (21.56s) while Abdul-Rahman Adewale Jimoh settled for Silver with a record of (21.74s), and compatriot Marizuk Shaibu impressed with victory in the senior men’s race, clocking 20.97s.
In the women’s 200m, Taofikat Sulaimon took top honours in 24.06s. Omoyeni Lydia Ajayi-Bibilomo and Purpose Excellence Akinpelu both recorded identical times of 24.67s to finish second and third, respectively.
Team MTN’s Academy Fervent Edet propelled himself to victory by recording a time of 11.10s (0.1) in the junior Boys’ 100m final, having earlier dipped under 11s with a lifetime best of 10.99s in the heats. Maleeq Odesanya placed second in 11.20s, with Boluwatife Alagbon close behind in 11.25s.
Elsewhere, in the Cadet Boys’ 100m, Jesudemilade Ojo emerged champion by clocking 12.48s, as Opeyemi Faleye came second position with (12.87s) and Owoeye Oluwatomiwa clinched third at (13.13s).
Surprisingly, Chigozie Faith Ndokwu sprinted to victory in 13.01s in the Cadet Girls’ 100m to win Gold as Risikatt Kehinde Baruwa bagged Silver with (13.23s) while Ikmot Adegbite (13.45s) gave her Bronze medal. In addition, Ndokwu eventually completed an impressive sprint double, returning to win the 200m in 26.58s, with Baruwa (27.08s) and Adebayo Adeola (27.17s) rounding out the podium.
Ojo also secured a sprint sweep, claiming the Youth Boys’ 200m title in 25.18s ahead of Timileyin Awoye (26.20s) and Miracle Adediran (26.32s).
Sidiqut Taiwo Baruwa claimed victory in the Cadet Girls’ 400m, crossing the line in 1:00.34 ahead of Helen Anisere (1:01.21) and Deborah Aderemi (1:03.02).
Team MVP’s Chisom Ezeh delivered a commanding performance in the Youth Girls’ 400m, running a PB of 56.87s to win comfortably. Faith John (58.01s) and Bright Ifechukwu Linus (58.65s) completed the podium.
In the Youth Boys’ 400m, Afeez Lasisi ran a huge lifetime best of 51.05s to take the title, narrowly edging Team MVP’s Zikirullah Ibrahim, who also posted a PB of 51.20s. Abdulmuhiz Abefen finished third in 51.32s.
The women’s 800m title went to reigning national champion and MTN CHAMPS Calabar winner, Comfort James, who crossed the line in 2:05.58. She held off Benin Republic’s Odette Sawekoua (2:06.62), while Fatimah Adebayo secured Bronze in 2:11.13.
Ayomide Olaitan clinched the men’s 800m title in 1:52.63, finishing ahead of Adegoke Ogunseye (1:54.44) and Karounwi Temitope (1:56.40).
The exciting finale brought an end to another successful edition of the MTN CHAMPS series, with young athletes once again showcasing Nigeria’s depth of talent and bright future in track and field.
Mrs. Emamoke Ogoro (MTN General-Manager, Brand and Communications) in the company of her staffs and colleagues; Royal Father representing Olubadan Palace; Mrs. Wasilat Adegoke (Oyo State Commissioner of Sport Development) among other notable Nigerians graced the historical closing ceremony and medal presentations
