Stars shine at Day Two of MTN Champs Lagos Continental Relays
The second day of the MTN Champs Lagos Continental Relays delivered a thrilling showcase of talent, grit and determination as Nigeria’s emerging athletes lit up the tracks at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) Sports Complex.
More than just a medal hunt, the event underscored the stories of dedication, passion, and ambition behind each performance, reinforcing MTN Champs’ commitment to discovering and nurturing the next generation of athletic stars in Nigeria.
One of the standout performances of the day came from Lucy Nwankwo, who stormed to victory in the women’s 100m junior final with a personal best time of 11.99 seconds.
Her triumph was a celebration not just of speed but also of perseverance and unwavering dedication.
She was joined on the podium by Mercy Ogbonna, who claimed silver with a personal best of 12.16 seconds, and Azeezat Muhammed-Raji, who took bronze with a time of 12.18 seconds.
In the women’s 100m senior final, Iyanuoluwa Bada continued her impressive form, clocking a new personal best of 11.30 seconds—her third PB of the competition. “I’m happy to be here because there’s a competition for us to showcase ourselves, outside of constant training,” Bada said, beaming with pride after the race.
Her coach, Afolabi Olatunji, expressed belief in her potential to meet international standards. “I want her to meet the world standard. I’m aiming for her to hit at least 11.02 or 11.03 so she can qualify for the world championships. MTN Champs has opened a new world of possibilities for her,” he noted.
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The men’s senior 100m final saw a commanding performance from Olympic sprinter Favor Ashe, nicknamed “The Nigerian Nightmare,” who claimed gold with a personal best of 10.28 seconds. His win was more than just a race; it was a statement of consistency and purpose.
“Being a champion means consistency, showing up and competing to win every time,” Ashe said. “I thank my mum, my dad, and my coaches. After this competition, I’m going back to rest, then back home to get myself right and prepare for the grand finale in Uyo.”
In the field events, Victoria Ejembi of Arena Academy secured silver in the women’s long jump. Despite the medal, Ejembi believes her best is yet to come. “I haven’t even done my best here,” she said. “There’s still more to come for me.” She encouraged other young athletes to seize the opportunity provided by MTN Champs, calling it “a great platform for athletes to showcase themselves.”
The men’s high jump also produced an inspiring moment, as Isaac Atidade, a first-time competitor, clinched gold. “I feel grateful. It’s very easy to become a champion, but it is harder to maintain it,” Atidade said, adding that his victory will serve as motivation to work even harder.
As the MTN Champs continues at both Yabatech and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) sports complexes, the event is proving to be more than just a sporting competition. It is a platform for aspiring champions to dream big, rise through the ranks, and showcase their potential on a national stage. For these athletes, it’s not just about medals—it’s about chasing greatness.