MTN Champs is back for its third season, and it’s already shaping up to be the biggest yet. As thousands of young athletes prepare to compete in stadiums across Nigeria, this track and field championship continues to redefine grassroots sports in the country. From its inception to the Olympic-level talents it’s producing, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what MTN Champs is all about.
1. MTN Champs Was Launched In 2023 To Revive Grassroots Athletics in Nigeria
MTN Champs began in 2023 as a collaboration between MTN Nigeria and Making of Champions (MoC), one of the country’s leading sports development organizations. The goal of the initiative is to provide a structured and consistent pathway for discovering and nurturing track and field talent in Nigeria, starting from the grassroots. Inspired by the Jamaican school athletics system, MTN Champs provides young athletes with the same level of attention, facilities, and recognition to compete, grow, and dream big.
2. It’s The Largest Inter-School Athletics Competition in Nigeria
In just two seasons, MTN Champs has successfully engaged over 7,000 student-athletes from secondary schools, universities, and local athletic clubs across the country. It has quickly become Nigeria’s most expansive school sports event, reaching youth in underserved areas and providing many with their first opportunity to compete in a world-class environment. The competition is divided into Junior (U-15) and Senior (U-20) categories, giving young athletes a level playing field to show their potential.
3. MTN Champs Is a Track and Field Athletics Competition
MTN Champs covers major Olympic-standard disciplines. Athletes compete in sprints like the 100m, 200m, and 400m, middle-distance races like the 800m and 1500m, and relay races such as the 4x100m and 4x400m. Field events include the long jump, high jump, javelin throw, and shot put. This diversity not only reflects the range of talent in the country but also helps scouts and coaches discover athletes who may excel in less common events.
4. The Season 3 Tour Will Stop in Three Major Nigerian Cities
The 2025 edition of MTN Champs will take place in Benin City, Lagos, and Uyo, drawing in top athletes and thousands of spectators from across the country. Benin City will kick things off from March 13 to 15 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and University of Benin Sports Complex. Lagos will host the next leg from April 9 to 12 at Yaba College of Technology and University of Lagos. The grand finale will take place in Uyo from April 30 to May 3, at the state-of-the-art Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Each city brings its own unique energy, crowd, and emerging stars, making every stop an unforgettable experience.
5. MTN Champs Is Not Just a Competition. It’s A Full-On Experience
Beyond the track, MTN Champs activations are designed to engage communities. Attendees can expect live entertainment, fun games, and instant giveaways. Spectators often walk away with prizes, souvenirs, and unforgettable memories — all while watching Nigeria’s next big athletic stars compete. Momo will be giving out a sweet reward for the first 500 people who attend each location. The venues also host interactive sessions where fans can learn about sports careers, health, and youth empowerment. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just a sports lover, there’s something for everyone.
6. The Competition Is Helping Athletes Go from Grassroots to Global Fast
Five standout athletes from the MTN Champs grassroots athletics program proudly represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the initiative which only began in 2023. Talents like Faith Osamuyi, Favour Onyebuchi, and Immaculate Okpe rose through the MTN Champs ranks, impressing at national levels with their speed, technique, and consistency. For instance, 17-year-old Osamuyi, a star of Season 2, clinched gold in both the 100m hurdles and long jump at the Calabar Grand Finale before earning her place on Team Nigeria for Paris. Their Olympic appearances are a testament to MTN Champs’ mission to discover and nurture future champions through early exposure and elite training. This proves that the platform is not just about discovery but also about acceleration, creating a direct link between local competitions and global stages.
7. The Public Is Invited to Attend and Cheer — And Maybe Even Win Big
MTN Champs is open to the public at every stage of the tour. Community members, families, and sports fans are encouraged to attend the events to support the athletes, enjoy the live action, and engage in the fun-filled experiences around the competition. Spectators often get the chance to win branded prizes, participate in games, and enjoy vibrant performances in between races and events.
As Season 3 begins, all eyes are on the tracks of Benin, Lagos, and Uyo to see which new names will rise. Whether you’re a fan, a scout, or a first-time visitor, MTN Champs offers a front-row seat to the future of Nigerian athletics, and you won’t want to miss it.