The Lagos leg of the MTN Champs Season 3 Continental Relays concluded in grand style on Saturday, April 12, after days of intense track and field competitions held across the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) sports complexes.
The competition produced standout athletes like Lucy Nwankwo in the 100m junior women’s category, Iyanuoluwa Bada in the women’s 100m senior and Favor Ashe in men’s 100m senior, with 13-year-old Micheal Odogu, breaking a new high jump record. Finally, a historic moment was made as the newly Olympics-approved mixed 4 x 100 m relay format debuted for the first time ever in Nigeria on day 3 of the Champs Lagos events.
The closing ceremony, held at the Yabatech Sports Complex, brought together prominent figures from across Nigeria and Africa’s sporting landscape. Distinguished guests included Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission; Pastor Emmanuel Ebong, Vice President 2 of the Nigerian School Sport Federation; and Chief Solomon Ogba, 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, among others.
In her closing remarks, Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations Officer, MTN Nigeria reflected on the journey. “From the beginning, the objective of Champs has been to create a platform that identifies, nurtures and builds future olympians that will represent Nigeria on the world stage. We set out to give young athletes the kind of visibility, opportunity and support that can change the trajectory of their lives. I am proud to say that we have done just that.”
Summarizing the four-day events, she referenced broken records and the unwinding determination of the athletes, before adding: “Beyond medals and victories, we have also built something bigger – a moment that says to every young person watching ‘you are seen and your future is full of possibilities’.”
Rounding up, she stated: “To our great city, Lagos of the state of aquatic splendour, thank you for embracing us. To the family and fans who filled the stands and shed, you brought the spirit to this event. MTN Champs is not just an event. It’s a growing legacy and from here, we look forward to bigger dreams, more inspiring stories and a future where everyone has a stage to shine. Thank you and see you at the MTN Champs grand finale in Uyo. Let us all go make a difference.”
Five-time Olympian and MTN Champs season 3 ambassador, Mary Onyali also graced the occasion, holding the MTN Champs as she led the ceremonial procession alongside the MTN executives and dignitaries, culminating at the ceremonial arch for keynote addresses and awards.
Fatodu, representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed his satisfaction with the event. “What an extraordinary journey this has been.” He congratulated the participants, organizers and supporters, noting their involvement as crucial to the success of the event. “This competition has not only provided the platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities but also played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of sport stars. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by these young individuals are a testament to the bright future of athletics in Lagos state and Nigeria at large.”
On MTN’s involvement in national sports development, he stated: “On behalf of the governor, we are deeply grateful to MTN Nigeria for their unwavering support and commitment to sports development and talent identification. I say a big thank you to MTN Nigeria for their bold investment in the dreams of young Nigerians. You have proven once again that MTN is more than just a telecom giant. You are a transformational partner in nation building.”
The MTN Champs Lagos edition attracted over 2,500 entries from 155 schools with participants competing across four age categories: Cadet (U-14), Youth (U-17), Junior (U-20), and Senior. Events included sprints, relays, high jump, and long jump. Drawing athletes from Benin Republic, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, the Lagos continental relays infused an international element to the competition.
As MTN Champs Season 3 continues, all eyes turn to Uyo, where the grand finale will be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium from April 30 to May 3.