About 3,250 athletes from over 250 secondary schools and 325 athletics clubs are set to compete in the Ibadan leg of the 2026 Season 4 MTN Champs, as MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to youth and sports development.
- +3,250 athletes set for MTN Champs Ibadan finale
MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Making of Champions (MoC), launched the MTN Champs initiative to revive grassroots athletics by discovering, training, and developing young talents into future Olympians and global stars.
MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Making of Champions (MoC), launched the MTN Champs initiative to revive grassroots athletics by discovering, training, and developing young talents into future Olympians and global stars.
The Season 4 competition, held between March and April 2026, features three legs, Calabar, Jos, and Ibadan, and is designed to prepare emerging athletes for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Ibadan event, the biggest of the season, will feature athletes competing in Junior (U20), Youth (U17), and Cadet (U14) categories.
Speaking at a press briefing in Ibadan, MTN General Manager, Consumer Segment and Devices, Idowu Adesokan, said the programme has grown significantly since its launch in 2023, attracting thousands of participants nationwide across four categories: cadet, youth, junior, and senior.
He described MTN Champs as a deliberate initiative to discover, nurture, and develop young athletes across Nigeria, noting that 30 outstanding talents have already been identified and enrolled in a specialised academy.
Adesokan added that beyond sports, the initiative is aimed at positively engaging youths through mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and pathways to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Founder and CEO of Making of Champions, Bambo Akani, said participants were selected in line with Olympic standards, adding that about 20 athletes are currently being supported, including their education.
He, however, called for increased investment, urging that between 100 and 200 athletes should be supported nationally to maximise Nigeria’s sporting potential.
The 20 standout athletes from the Calabar and Jos legs have been brought to Ibadan, where events will take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex.
Oyo State Commissioner for Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, commended MTN for the initiative, assuring participants of a safe and supportive environment during their stay.
Former Nigerian sprinter and five-time Olympian, Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, also praised the programme, describing it as a vital investment in the future of Nigerian youth.
