Organisers of MTN CHAMPS Season 4 have assured a seamless and hitch-free grand finale as more than 3,200 athletes gear up for the highly anticipated athletics event in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Following successful earlier phases in Calabar and Jos, the competition now shifts to Ibadan, where the grand finale will hold from April 14 to 17 across the Lekan Salami Stadium and the University of Ibadan Sports Complex. The event is expected to deliver four days of intense competition, talent discovery, and record-breaking performances.
Since its launch in 2023, MTN CHAMPS has emerged as a major platform for grassroots sports development in Nigeria, providing opportunities for young athletes while also supporting coaches, officials, and other stakeholders within the athletics ecosystem.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Ibadan, Bambo Akani described the initiative as a driver of youth development, noting that beyond competition, it promotes education, discipline, and personal growth among participants. He added that the rising number of participants reflects the growing confidence in the platform and its impact nationwide.
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A record 3,220 athletes have registered for the grand finale, surpassing the combined figures from the Calabar and Jos legs, a development organisers say underlines Ibadan’s strong sporting culture and enthusiasm.
Also speaking, Oluchi Obazue commended the organisers for building a platform that goes beyond sport, describing MTN CHAMPS as a pathway to opportunity, visibility, and long-term athlete development.
Five-time Olympian Mary Onyali emphasised the need for sustained funding, media visibility, and structured support systems to nurture elite athletes, while praising the collaboration between partners such as MTN Nigeria and Making of Champions.
In his keynote address, Idowu Adesokan said the long-term vision of MTN CHAMPS is to produce Olympic champions, revealing that athletes under the programme have already secured multiple international and national medals within a short period of structured training.
The competition will feature cadet, youth, junior, and senior categories, with events spread across both venues. Cadet and youth athletes will compete at the University of Ibadan Sports Complex, while junior and senior events will take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, before all categories converge for the final day.
Attention will also be on the top 20 Most Valuable Performers selected from earlier phases, as they face off against emerging talents in what promises to be a fitting climax to the season.
Dignitaries at the briefing included Wasilat Adegoke and Tunde Ajibike, alongside other stakeholders who reaffirmed their commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
With strong participation, high expectations, and national attention, the MTN CHAMPS Season 4 grand finale is set to reinforce its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for discovering and nurturing future athletic stars.
