MTN CHAMPS Season 4 Grand Final Unveiled in Ibadan Amid Strong Stakeholder Support

The fourth season of the MTN CHAMPS reached a major milestone on Monday as organisers officially unveiled the Grand Final during a press conference held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The event brought together top stakeholders across government, corporate organisations, and sports administration, all reaffirming their commitment to grassroots athletics development in Nigeria.

Top Dignitaries in Attendance

Among those present were Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; Acting General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Tunde Ajibike; and representative of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), HRM Jacob Dairo Olutayo.

Also in attendance were Idowu Adesokan, General Manager, Consumer Support at MTN Nigeria; Senior Commercial Manager McDaniels Nwabuche; and Founder/CEO of Making of Champions, Bambo Akani.

Other notable figures included five-time Olympian Mary Onyali and MTN CHAMPS ambassador Enoch Adegoke.

MTN Reaffirms Commitment to Talent Development

Speaking at the event, Adesokan described the competition as a platform designed to identify and nurture future stars.

He noted that selected athletes are enrolled in a specialised academy with scholarship opportunities, adding that the long-term goal is to produce world-class athletes.

“If there is anything to remember, it is that when these athletes begin to make a name for themselves, MTN will be remembered for the role it played,” he said.

He also revealed that over 8,000 athletes from about 500 schools participated in earlier editions, highlighting the rapid growth of the initiative.

MoC Highlights Growth and Impact

Akani praised MTN’s continued support, describing the initiative as a game-changer for athletics development in Nigeria.

“MTN is helping this nation build an Olympic team for the future. There is now a clear pathway for athletes, from the cadet U-14 level to the senior stage,” he said.

He added that Ibadan has consistently ranked among the top cities in terms of participation, with over 3,000 athletes expected for this year’s Grand Final.

Oyo State Backs Youth Sports

Commissioner Adegoke emphasised the alignment between MTN CHAMPS and the state’s sports development vision.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision for youth development. MTN CHAMPS is paving the way for young athletes to excel,” she said.

She also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for ensuring that sporting facilities in the state are in top condition for competitions of this scale.

Legends and Ambassadors Inspire Athletes

Onyali lauded the initiative, noting that long-term investment is key to producing elite athletes.

“It takes time to achieve great results, and that’s what MTN is giving these young athletes. They are supported medically and mentally,” she said.

Adegoke also highlighted the impact of the programme, particularly in addressing the challenges of athlete transition in Nigeria.

“The level of support these athletes receive is unprecedented. Scholarships and opportunities abroad are helping them reach the next level,” he said.

A Grand Finale to Remember

The MTN CHAMPS Season 4 Grand Final is expected to be the biggest yet, featuring over 3,200 athletes from more than 375 schools and teams.

Ibadan, which has consistently recorded the highest participation in previous editions, will host the Grand Final for the first time—further cementing its status as a hub for grassroots athletics in Nigeria.

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