The Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) from Seasons 1 and 2 of Nigeria’s premier Schools’ Athletics Championships, MTN CHAMPS, are poised to make a significant impact in Season 3. These athletes, discovered in 2023 and 2024, will compete under the banner of ‘Team MTN’ representing the MoC Academy.
In a full circle moment, the talented athletes selected from the seven cities that hosted MTN CHAMPS Seasons 1 & 2—Benin, Uyo, Ibadan, Abuja, Asaba, Jos, and Calabar are eager to showcase their progress since joining the MoC Athletics Academy in Lagos. Sponsored by MTN and trained by one of Nigeria’s fastest men and Olympic medallist Deji Aliu, these athletes have honed their skills and are ready to shine.
The inaugural class of 20 athletes from Seasons 1 and 2 was unveiled in August 2024 at a ceremony at MTN’s Headquarters in Lagos. This group includes 5 Female Sprinters, 3 Female Quartermilers, 7 Male Sprinters, and 5 Male Quartermilers.
Season 3 of MTN CHAMPS will be held in three cities: Benin (March 13th to 15th), Lagos (April 9th to 12th), and the Grand Final in Uyo (April 30th to May 3rd). Team MTN at the MoC Athletics Academy will present three teams – Senior, Junior, and Youth at MTN CHAMPS in Benin next week and throughout Season 3.
The ultimate goal of MTN CHAMPS is to reignite grassroots athletics talent searches across Nigeria, discovering athletes who will be trained and developed to achieve global medals and become future sporting legends for the nation. Winners from Season 3 will have the opportunity to join the MoC Athletics Academy in Lagos, with MTN as the lead sponsor, enabling the best talents to earn college scholarships at home and abroad, and potentially represent Nigeria at future global competitions.