In a bid to foster athletic talent and propel Nigeria onto the global stage, MTN Champs Athletics Tournaments are set to make a significant impact. The championship, segmented into cadets (under-14), youths (under-17), and juniors (under-20), is strategically designed for success, according to MTN’s Senior Manager, Sales and Trade Development, Ifeanyi Udom.
Udom emphasized that MTN’s sponsorship aligns with the brand’s commitment to supporting local sports activities, aiming to create a new generation of athletes who will proudly carry the Nigerian flag internationally. The Ibadan leg of the MTN Champs Series, the third in the four-series competition, is scheduled from Thursday to Saturday at two prominent venues—the Lekan Salami Stadium and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex.
With nearly 4,000 entries from over 2,000 athletes, the secondary school athletics championship has already left its mark in Benin and Uyo earlier this year. The event aims to not only showcase athletic prowess but also underscore MTN’s dedication to nurturing young Nigerians’ academic and sporting aspirations.
Raheem Fatai, Director of Sports Facilities at the Oyo State Sports Council, affirmed the state government’s full support for the championship, while Segun Omodunni, the secretary of the Athletics Committee of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), stressed the importance of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) involvement.
Partnering with Making of Champions (MoC), MTN has taken a significant step, and Taldang Tanimu, an assistant secretary with the AFN, assured the provision of necessary technical support. MoC’s Country Manager, Deji Ogeyingbo, emphasized the competition’s nationwide reach to unearth talents that can bring pride to the nation.
Olympic medallist Deji Aliu, Nationwide Meet Director, MTN Champs, and sprinter Enoch Adegoke, MTN Champs Ambassador for Ibadan, were present at the unveiling. The championship, categorized into cadets (under-14), youths (under-17), and juniors (under-20), promises thrilling competitions at the Lekan Salami Stadium and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex from Thursday to Saturday. World Athletics recognizes the event, ensuring that all recorded times are registered on the World Athletics database.
