The grassroots athletics competition, MTN Champs, is set to return for its third season in 2025, with events scheduled to take place across three cities: Benin City, Lagos, and Uyo.
This initiative aims to identify and support young Nigerian track and field athletes. Hon. Desmond Amadin Enebulele, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, spoke on behalf of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, during a press briefing. He stated, “His Excellency is deeply committed to grassroots sports development. One of his visions, which he shared with me, is to ‘go into the communities and local governments, identify and develop athletes, and make them world-class competitors.’ This is precisely what MTN is achieving today, and the Edo State Government is proud to offer its full support.”
“MTN is a company with the ability to spot rough diamonds and refine them into world champions. MTN Champs is genuinely about transforming local sports athletes into world-class stars,” remarked Osaze Obeku, Senior Manager of Go-to-Market at MTN Nigeria.
Since its launch in 2023, MTN Champs has begun fulfilling its promise of discovering Nigeria’s next generation of track and field stars. Three of its 20 Most Valuable Players (MVPs), all currently training for international competitions, hail from Edo State, highlighting the region’s growing significance in grassroots athletics.
Onyeneho Jane Chioma, Showers Ushie, and Prosper Ushie, all standout MVPs from previous editions, have progressed to join the Making of Champions (MoC) Academy, a training ground for elite athletes.
At the press conference, they shared their experiences thus far.
“I was discovered at MTN Champs in 2023,” said Jane. “Now, in 2025, I’m returning not just as a competitor but as one of the top MVPs. Being at the MoC Academy in Lagos, sponsored by MTN, has changed everything. I’m training under Olympic medalist Coach Deji Aliu, surrounded by teammates who push me every day. This truly is a dream come true.”
Showers Ushie reflected on how the platform has shaped his journey: “I competed in the Benin edition in 2023 and was selected as one of the top 10 MVPs. It’s been an incredible experience at the academy since then. My older brother introduced me to the opportunity, and now I’m back to run the 100m in the senior category.”
Showers’ younger brother, Prosper Ushie, provided a more personal perspective: “Initially, my dad didn’t want me to compete because I already had one brother in sports; he thought two sons in athletics was enough. However, I remained focused and ended up winning bronze in the junior boys’ 400m. Gaining entry into the MoC Academy felt like all my efforts had paid off. The training and support from MTN and MoC have been life-changing.”
Modelled after Jamaica’s High School CHAMPS, MTN Champs has become a vital component of Nigeria’s efforts to cultivate a pipeline of athletic talent. Season 3 is anticipated to be the largest yet, with over 7,000 athletes from nearly 500 schools and teams expected to participate.
The competition features four categories: Cadet, Youth, Junior, and Senior, allowing for broad participation from students to adult athletes. Real-time results and team scoring will be accessible through the Roster Athletics app, keeping fans, coaches, and athletes informed throughout the competition.
The MTN Champs season commenced in Benin City from 13–15 March, with events taking place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the University of Benin Sports Complex. Lagos will host the MTN Champs Continental Relays from 9–12 April at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos. The final leg of the season will be held in Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium from 30 April to 3 May.
The 2025 season continues MTN’s commitment to grassroots sports development and aims to further solidify Nigeria’s position in global athletics. MTN Champs has evolved into a movement that ignites ambition in young Nigerians and provides the connectivity, resources, and support necessary for them to excel.
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