MTN Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to fostering youth and sports development across the nation. This commitment is underscored by the ongoing 2026 Season 4 MTN Champs, with the Ibadan leg drawing approximately 3,250 athletes from over 250 secondary schools and 325 athletic clubs.
The MTN Champs initiative, a collaboration between MTN Nigeria and Making of Champions (MoC), was established with the core objective of revitalizing grassroots athletics. The program seeks to identify, train, and cultivate young Nigerian talent, with the aspiration of producing future Olympians and global sporting legends.
MTN Champs Season 4, Nigeria’s premier schools’ athletics competition, spans from March to April 2026. It comprises three legs held in Calabar, Jos, and Ibadan. The series is strategically designed to scout and prepare young athletes for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games.
The Ibadan event, noted as the largest edition of the season, includes competitions in Junior (U20), Youth (U17), and Cadet (U14) categories. This comprehensive approach ensures a wide net is cast for talent identification.
Idowu Adesokun, MTN General Manager for Consumer Segment and Devices, stated in Ibadan that since its inception in 2023, the program has evolved into a significant national competition. It now encompasses four age categories—Cadet, Youth, Junior, and Senior—making it a thorough talent search program.
Adesokun emphasized that the launch of MTN Champs reflects MTN's deliberate vision to discover, nurture, and develop young athletes throughout Nigeria. He highlighted that 30 exceptionally talented athletes have already been identified and enrolled in specialized academies.
Describing the initiative as a grassroots program, Adesokun noted its aim to encourage young individuals to pursue athletics as a viable career path. For the first time this season, a N20 million regional grant has been awarded to schools. This initiative is designed to stimulate grassroots sports development, enhance participation, and acknowledge outstanding institutional achievements.
Beyond athletic prowess, Adesokan explained that the program aims to keep young people positively engaged. It offers mentorship opportunities, potential academic scholarships both domestically and internationally, and the chance to represent Nigeria on various platforms.
Bambo Akanni, Founder and CEO of Making of Champions (MoC), confirmed that the young athletes participating have met the qualification standards aligned with Olympic criteria. He also mentioned that 20 athletes have had their education sponsored, adding that the nation should aim to sponsor between 100 to 200 athletes.
The 20 athletes who emerged from the Calabar and Jos editions of the MTN Champs have arrived in Ibadan to compete at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex.
Wasilat Adegoke, Oyo State Commissioner for Sports, commended MTN for its impactful initiative. She assured that Oyo State would continue to provide a conducive environment for athletes and their coaches, guaranteeing their security throughout their week-long stay.
