Record-breaking MTN CHAMPS Grand Final Holds in Ibadan
The MTN CHAMPS Season 4 train made its final stop in Ibadan yesterday with the Grand Final officially unveiled at a press conference.
The event brought together key stakeholders from government, sports administration, and corporate organisations, all reaffirming their commitment to grassroots athletics development in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of MTN, 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 platform can produce Olympic champions, and I believe we have started that journey,” observed the MTN executive.
Making of Champions (MoC) Founder/CEO, Bambo Akani, expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders while reflecting on the competition’s rapid growth.
“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 thank MTN for being the turning point in helping us scale the event, and BPS for their continued support through scholarships to our athletes.”
He 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.
Five-time Olympian, Mary Onyali, highlighted the key pillars required to develop elite athletes—funding, media exposure, and strong support systems.
“MTN CHAMPS gives the country something to look forward to, and MoC is building a team of athletes hungry to break records. These athletes are investments for the future.”
Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, in her speech
emphasised the alignment between MTN CHAMPS and the state’s developmental goals.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our aim to nurture young talents and promote sports development in Oyo State. To our young athletes, this platform is yours to own—believe in yourself, work hard, and dream big. Oyo State is proud to host this youth sports competition.”
Among the notable dignitaries present were 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.
20 Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) selected from the Calabar and Jos legs of MTN CHAMPS Season 4 were also at the event, and are set to go against the best in Ibadan.
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.
The Jos MVPs are; Bakare Rofiat Boluwatife, Josephine Onyemauche, Weynom Shabi, Precious Gift Ishaku, Faith Onumadu, Zikirullah Ibrahim, David Dada Stephen, and Nuhu Bamaiyi.
The MTN CHAMPS Season 4 Grand Final is set to be the biggest yet, featuring over 3,200 athletes from 375 schools and teams.
This marks the third time Ibadan will host the competition—and notably, the first time it will stage the Grand Final—further solidifying its reputation as a hub for grassroots athletics in Nigeria.
