The grassroots athletics competition, MTN Champs, is set to return for its third season in 2025, with events scheduled across Benin City, Lagos, and Uyo. The initiative is designed to identify and support young Nigerian track and field athletes.
At the press conference on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Desmond Amadin Enebulele, spoke on behalf of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State, saying, “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 athletes’. This is exactly what MTN is doing today, and the Edo state government is proud to offer its full support.”
Since its launch in 2023, MTN Champs has already begun to deliver on 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 are from Edo State, a testament to the region’s growing importance in grassroots athletics.
Among those who have benefited directly from MTN Champs are Onyeneho Jane Chioma, Showers Ushie, and Prosper Ushie, all standout MVPs from previous editions who have gone on to join the Making of Champions (MoC) Academy, a training ground for elite athletes. At the press conference, they shared their experience so 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 in the MoC [Making of Champs] Academy in Lagos and sponsored by MTN has changed everything. I’m training under [olympic medalist] Coach Deji Aliu, surrounded by teammates who push me every day. This really is a dream come true.”
Showers Ushie also reflected on how the platform shaped his journey: “I competed in the Benin edition in 2023 and got picked as one of the top 10 MVPs. It’s been an amazing experience at the academy since then. My older brother introduced me to the opportunity, and now I’m back to run the 100m this time in the senior category.”
Showers’ younger brother, Prosper Ushie, added a more personal perspective: “At first, my dad didn’t want me to compete because I already had, he thought two sons in sports was enough. But I stayed focused, and I ended up winning bronze in the junior boys’ 400m. Getting into the MoC Academy felt like all the effort 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 key part of Nigeria’s efforts to build a pipeline of athletic talent. Season 3 is expected to be its biggest 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 wide participation from students to adult athletes. Real-time results and team scoring will be available through the Roster Athletics app, keeping fans, coaches, and athletes updated throughout the competition.
MTN Champs season begins in Benin City from March 13–15, 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 April 9–12 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 April 30 to May 3.
“MTN is a company that has the ability to spot rough diamonds and refine them into world champions. MTN Champs is truly about turning local sports athletes into world-class stars,” said Osaze Obeku, Senior Manager, Go-t0- Market at MTN Nigeria.
The 2025 season continues MTN’s dedication to grassroots sports development and aims to further strengthen Nigeria’s position in global athletics. MTN Champs has evolved into a movement that sparks ambition in young Nigerians and supports their journeys with connectivity, resources, and support needed to go the distance.