MTN Champs Season 3 closes in style as young stars shine in Lagos
The Lagos edition of the MTN Champs Season 3 Continental Relays wrapped up in spectacular fashion on Saturday, April 12, after days of electrifying track and field competition at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and University of Lagos (UNILAG) sports complexes.
The event spotlighted a new wave of athletic talent, with Lucy Nwankwo impressing in the junior women’s 100m, Iyanuoluwa Bada dominating the senior women’s 100m, and Favor Ashe clinching victory in the senior men’s 100m.
One of the event’s most memorable moments came from 13-year-old Micheal Odogu, who set a new high jump record, earning admiration from spectators and officials alike.
A historic milestone was reached on Day 3 as Nigeria hosted its first-ever mixed 4x100m relay—recently approved for the Olympics—signaling a progressive leap for the country’s athletics landscape.
The grand finale at Yabatech drew an impressive crowd of dignitaries from across Nigeria and the African sports community.
Notable attendees included Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission; Pastor Emmanuel Ebong, Vice President II of the Nigerian School Sport Federation; and Chief Solomon Ogba, First Vice President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee.
In her closing remarks, Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations Officer of MTN Nigeria, reflected on the event’s success and the bright future it signals for athletics in the country.
She said, “From the beginning, the objective of Champs has been to create a platform that identifies, nurtures and builds future olympians that will represent Nigeria on the world stage. We set out to give young athletes
the kind of visibility, opportunity and support that can change the trajectory of their lives. I am proud to say that we have done just that.”
Summarizing the four-day events, she referenced broken records and the unwinding determination of the athletes,.
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“Beyond medals and victories, we have also built something bigger – a moment that says to every young person watching ‘you are seen and your future is full of possibilities To our great city, Lagos of the state of aquatic splendour, thank you for embracing us. To the family and fans who filled the stands and shed, you brought the spirit to this event. MTN Champs is not just an event. It’s a growing legacy and from here, we look forward to bigger dreams, more inspiring stories and a future where everyone has a stage to shine. Thank you and see you at the MTN Champs grand finale in Uyo. Let us all go make a difference,” she said.
Five-time Olympian and MTN Champs Season 3 ambassador, Mary Onyali, was also present at the event. She proudly carried the MTN Champs torch as she led the ceremonial procession, joined by MTN executives and other dignitaries. The procession concluded at the ceremonial arch, where keynote speeches were delivered and awards were presented.
Fatodu, representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed his satisfaction with the event. “What an extraordinary journey this has been.” He congratulated the participants, organizers and supporters, noting their involvement as crucial to the success of the event. “This competition has not only provided the platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities but also played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of sport stars. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by these young individuals are a testament to the bright future of athletics in Lagos state and Nigeria at large.”
On MTN’s involvement in national sports development, he stated: “On behalf of the governor, we are deeply grateful to MTN Nigeria for their unwavering support and commitment to sports development and talent identification. I say a big thank you to MTN Nigeria for their bold investment in the dreams of young Nigerians. You have proven once again that MTN is more than just a telecom giant. You are a transformational partner in nation building.”
The Lagos edition of the MTN Champs drew over 2,500 entries from 155 schools, with athletes competing across four age categories: Cadet (U-14), Youth (U-17), Junior (U-20), and Senior. The event featured a range of track and field disciplines, including sprints, relays, high jump, and long jump. Adding a vibrant international flair, the Continental Relays welcomed athletes from Benin Republic, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, elevating the level of competition and cross-border camaraderie.
As MTN Champs Season 3 continues, all eyes turn to Uyo, where the grand finale will be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium from April 30 to May 3.