MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s future Olympians through the MTN Champs athletics competition, which kicked off its third season today in Benin City, Edo State. The telecommunications giant aims to revolutionise grassroots sports development in the country, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents and potentially represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Osaze Ebueku, Senior Manager, Go-to-Market at MTN Nigeria, emphasised the company’s long-term vision for the initiative. “Our message from day one has been clear. We’re building future Olympians for Nigeria,” Ebueku stated. He highlighted that MTN Champs is not just about competition, but about changing lives and providing opportunities that many young athletes wouldn’t have had otherwise.
The impact of the program is already evident, with five standout athletes from MTN Champs representing Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This achievement, coming just two years after the program’s inception in 2023, demonstrates the initiative’s effectiveness in fast-tracking talent from grassroots to global competitions.
Season 3 of MTN Champs has attracted 2,056 registered athletes to participate in Benin City alone, according to Bambo Akani, founder and CEO of Making of Champions, MTN’s partner in executing the championship. The competition will span three cities – Benin (March 13-15), Lagos (April 9-12), and Uyo for the Grand Final (April 30-May 3) – with a total of 7,000 athletes expected to participate across all locations.
Osaze Ebueku, Senior Manager, Go To Market at MTN, likened their approach to spotting “rough diamonds” and refining them into world champions. “We are on this journey for the long haul, working with our partners to elevate the standard of athletics in the country,” Ebueku explained.
The initiative has garnered support from state governments, with Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo approving the use of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and providing logistical support for the event. This collaboration underscores the growing recognition of MTN Champs’ potential to transform Nigeria’s athletic landscape.
As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on the tracks of Benin, Lagos, and Uyo to witness the emergence of Nigeria’s next generation of athletic stars. MTN Champs continues to provide not just a competition, but a comprehensive platform for talent discovery, development, and the realisation of Olympic dreams for young Nigerian athletes.