Over 2,000 athletes competed across cadet, youth, and junior categories at the MTN CHAMPS season 3 classics.
Held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the athletics meet witnessed standout performances from young athletes across Nigeria.
The three-day championship showcased the importance of Nigeria’s grassroots athletics development program.
Delta State’s David Efetobore emerged as a standout performer, clinching gold in both the senior boys’ 100m and 200m events, with an impressive time of 21.53 seconds in the latter.
In the junior girls’ category, 15-year-old Grace Oyibu from Onicha-Ugbo Mixed Secondary School showcased her potential, securing victory in the 200m with a time of 24.57 seconds.
The competition also highlighted promising talents like 12-year-old Joel Oghele, who competed in the youth boys’ 200m, demonstrating composure against older rivals.
Bayelsa state made its presence felt, particularly in the junior girls’ events, with multiple podium finishes.
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“We started Season 1 here with around 1,000 athletes; now that number has doubled,” Bambo Akani, founder, Making of Champions (MoC), said while expressing satisfaction with the championship growth.
He also revealed that athletes from the Team MTN MoC Academy, after nine months of training in Lagos, made their competitive debut, securing several medals.
Looking ahead, Akani mentioned that performances are under review to select Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) for the Season 3 Grand Finale in Uyo.
“The juniors and youth especially came out in strong numbers. About 1,000 youth athletes competed,” he said.
The MTN CHAMPS season 3 journey continues with the Lagos leg, featuring the continental relays from April 9-12 at YabaTech and UNILAG.
The grand finale is set for April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The MTN CHAMPS initiative provides a platform for young athletes to transition into professional athletics through competition, mentorship, and academy opportunities.
