Day 3 of the MTN CHAMPS Uyo Grand Final saw spirited competition as athletes took to the track in pursuit of glory. With teams, schools and states fiercely battling for dominance, it was Team MVP that rose to the occasion, delivering standout performances and setting the pace across multiple categories, with many of its athletes securing podium finishes that validated their selection for the event.
Team MVP’s Cadet Girls made a bold statement early in the day, sweeping the 100m final in stunning fashion. Ebimoboere Christopher blazed to a personal best of 12.61s, leading teammates Ella Udumubrai and Jolaade Adesanya to a clean 1-2-3 finish. Later, the Cadet Boys’ final saw Abdulaleem Abdulsalam snatch the GOLD with a commanding PB of 11.88s, while the battle for second was hard-fought between Team MVP’s Aaron Usifo and Secondary Grammar School Ibeno’s Saviour Nnokama.
Team MVP wasn’t done. In the Youth Girls’ 100m, they swept the podium. Bernice Onoriode, Goodnews Saturday, and Rebecca Enilolobo surged across the line in tight succession. The Youth Boys’ final wasn’t any less gripping, with Muhammed Jimoh edging out teammate Destiny Reuben and Osadenis Mixed Secondary School’s Onyemech Onoriode in a finish that kept spectators on their feet.
In the Junior Women’s 100m, it was a showdown of raw speed and nerves. Ejiro Peter proved untouchable, clocking a new PB of 11.81s. She was closely trailed by teammate Tejiri Ugoh, while Osadenis’ Faith Chukwuma held off the chasing pack to secure Bronze. But in the Junior Men’s final, it was Obiano’s Stanley Willam who shook things up, fending off strong contenders from Team MTN and Favoured Stars with a PB of 10.68s.
Then came the Senior Men’s 100m, arguably the most anticipated event of the day. Favour Ashe, Paris Olympics 2024 semi-finalist, representing the MoC, delivered a masterclass in sprinting with a Season’s Best (SB) of 10.20s. Meanwhile, Bayelsa’s Augustine Ezuruike, 10.48s and Global Track & Field’s Amreremenore Edesiri, 10.56s, battled neck and neck for the remaining spots, completing the podium.
The women weren’t to be outdone. Kate Odumoso powered through the Senior Women’s 100m in a new PB of 11.36s, dominating a field that included fierce challengers like Chioma Cynthia and Chika Bakwanye.
The battle continued in the 400m finals. Victory Aganya of Team MVP claimed the Girls’ title with a gutsy PB of 58.29s, just inches ahead of Team MTN’s Chizoba Onyemauwa and teammate Mary Edeh. The Boys’ Youth 400m saw another flawless performance by Team MVP. Jesulayomi Ogundijo led the pack, chased hard by Chukwueweniwe Emmanuel and Ibrahim Ahmed in a show of sheer grit.
In the Junior 400m, Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo built on his Lagos win, dashing across the line in 47.49s and holding off teammate Stephen Adejumo in a thrilling finish. On the women’s side, Miracle Sonny of Akwa Ibom stunned the field with a massive PB of 53.81s, outrunning Team MTN’s Toheebat Jimoh and MVP’s Elizabeth Olumide.
The Senior 400m events brought another round of hard-hitting action. Victor Sampson of NDDC took the Men’s title in 47.07s, while Rhoda Adisa claimed the Women’s in a PB of 53.96s, holding off a determined challenge from Team MTN’s Miracle Donald.
As medals piled up, so did the tension on the leaderboard. Team MVP dominated the Cadet Boys’ and Girls’ categories with 40 and 39 points respectively, while schools like Aunty Iso International, Lutheran High, and Four Towns Community fought hard to stay in the medal mix. In the Youth divisions, MVP A and B teams flexed their depth with strong finishes across both genders, edging out spirited contenders like Charity of the Most Precious Blood and Afaha Eket Government School.
In the Juniors and Seniors, it was a clash of giants. Akwa Ibom surged ahead in both categories, amassing 77 points in the Junior division and 92 in the Seniors, fending off strong bids from Team MTN, Obiano, Bayelsa, and Cross River. With every point earned on the track and every cheer echoing through the stadium, the fight for supremacy only intensified.
The MTN Champs Uyo grand final comes to an end on May 9. With powerful performances and record-breaking runs, it’s clear that MTN CHAMPS is more than just a competition. It’s a launchpad for future Olympians. The event will culminate in a closing ceremony at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where top-performing athletes, teams, and schools will be honoured, celebrating not just their victories on the track but their promise on the world stage.