The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics in Benin City featured over 2,000 young athletes, showcasing talents like David Efetobore and Grace Oyibu. Bambo Akani noted significant growth in participation. The tournament serves to empower athletes as they prepare for upcoming competitions in Lagos and the grand finale in Uyo.
The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics culminated on March 15 in Benin City at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, featuring outstanding performances from over 2,000 young athletes representing various regions of Nigeria. This three-day event serves as a vital component of the country’s grassroots athletics development program, showcasing talent across cadet, youth, and junior categories.
Notable achievements included Delta State’s David Efetobore, who secured gold in both the senior boys’ 100m and 200m events, recording an impressive 21.53 seconds in the latter. Additionally, in the junior girls’ category, Grace Oyibu, a 15-year-old from Onicha-Ugbo Mixed Secondary School, claimed victory in the 200m with a time of 24.57 seconds.
Emerging talents such as 12-year-old Joel Oghele participated in the youth boys’ 200m, displaying remarkable composure against older competitors. Bayelsa State also showcased strong performances, especially in the junior girls’ events, achieving multiple placements on the podium.
Bambo Akani, the founder of Making of Champions (MoC), expressed pride in the event’s expansion, stating that participation has doubled since the inaugural season. He noted that athletes from the Team MTN MoC Academy made their competitive debuts after nine months of intensive training, contributing to their impressive medal haul.
Looking forward, Akani acknowledged ongoing evaluations of performances to determine Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) for the Season 3 Grand Finale set in Uyo. He remarked on the significant turnout, especially among junior and youth athletes, with about 1,000 participants competing.
The MTN CHAMPS journey progresses with the Lagos leg, featuring the Continental Relays scheduled for April 9-12 at YabaTech and UNILAG, culminating in the grand finale from April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. This initiative aligns with MTN’s mission to empower communities by providing a critical platform for young Nigerian athletes to evolve into professional competitors through competition, mentorship, and academy opportunities.
The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics has successfully highlighted Nigeria’s athletic talent, with impressive performances from young athletes. The event has expanded significantly, doubling participation since its inception, and placing emphasis on nurturing talent through competitive platforms. As the journey continues towards the grand finale in Uyo, the program remains dedicated to supporting the development of future professional athletes in Nigeria.
Original Source: bhmng.com
