Five-time Olympian and medalist, Mary Onyali, has outlined key pillars required to produce elite athletes, stressing the need for strong sponsorship, trained media professionals, and sustained stakeholder support.
Speaking at the MTN Champs Season 4 Grand Final in Ibadan, she said the initiative is shaping a new generation of competitors capable of surpassing past records.
“MTN CHAMPS gives the country something to look forward to. Making of Champions is building a team hungry to break records. These young stars are investments for the future,” Onyali said.
The former African sprint star, who competed in five Olympic Games between 1988 and 2004, won bronze medals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (4x100m relay) and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics (200m), remains a leading role model for emerging athletes.
Also speaking, former national 100m champion and Olympic finalist, Enoch Adegoke, praised the Ibadan leg of the competition and called for greater corporate backing.
“You may have seen great performances in Calabar and fast times in Jos, but Ibadan promises even more,” he said.
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Adegoke later delivered on that promise, winning the men’s 100m final in 10.14 seconds. Chidera Ezeakor finished second in 10.15 seconds, while Osama Chibueze placed third with a personal best of 10.35 seconds.
Reaffirming its commitment to sports development, MTN said the programme is designed to discover and nurture young talents nationwide. The company is working closely with Making of Champions to provide structured pathways for athletes.
MTN’s General Manager, Consumer Segment, Idowu Adesokan, described the Grand Final as a defining moment.
“Nigeria is rich in talent waiting for the right platform. Through this initiative, we have identified 30 exceptional athletes. This programme can produce Olympic champions,” he said.
Founder and CEO of Making of Champions, Bambo Akani, commended partners and stakeholders for the rapid growth of the competition.
He also acknowledged support from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, the NSSF, and the Oyo State Government for creating an enabling environment. The Grand Final is being held at the Lekan Salami Stadium and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex.
Athletes selected as MVPs from Calabar include Miracle Festus Okon, Ayi Blessing Sekibo, and Glory Bassey, among others, while standout performers from Jos include Bakare Rofiat Boluwatife and Zikirullah Ibrahim.
