MTN Champs Ignites Athletic Potential in Jos as Fourth Edition Kicks Off
The vibrant city of Jos, Plateau State, is abuzz with athletic energy as the fourth edition of the MTN Championship officially commences today. This significant sporting event brings together 148 schools and teams, poised to battle for athletic supremacy across a diverse range of disciplines. The New Jos Township Stadium has been transformed into the epicentre of this youth-focused competition, underscoring MTN’s unwavering dedication to fostering grassroots sports development throughout Nigeria.
During a press conference held in Jos on Wednesday, marking the prelude to the championship, Ibe Etea, the Chief Internal Audit and Forensic Services Officer at MTN, reaffirmed the company’s profound commitment to identifying and nurturing emerging athletic talent. “We are deeply appreciative of the opportunity to return to Jos for the MTN Champs event,” Etea stated. “Our sincere gratitude extends to the government representatives and the resilient people of this magnificent city for once again extending their hospitality to us.”
The scale of the competition is substantial, with an estimated 1,300 athletes set to showcase their skills. These athletes will compete in 94 distinct events, thoughtfully segmented across four age categories. The stakes are high, with substantial monetary prizes designed to incentivize peak performance. The winning school will receive ₦2 million, the second-place finisher ₦1.5 million, the third-place team ₦1 million, and the fourth-place contender ₦500,000.
This year’s championship marks a significant milestone as it is the fourth iteration of the event. Prior successful meets have already been held in Lagos and Calabar, with Jos serving as the latest host city before the grand finale in Ibadan. A key differentiator for this edition is the introduction of enhanced reward structures, aimed at further motivating athletes to strive for excellence. Etea elaborated on the prize money for competing schools, detailing the substantial financial incentives for the top four performing institutions.
A Legacy of Growth and Achievement
The MTN Champs initiative, since its inception in 2022, has witnessed remarkable growth. To date, the program has engaged approximately 20,000 athletes and involved over 1,500 schools nationwide. Beyond participation, the program has a tangible impact on athlete development, with 30 outstanding individuals earning a coveted spot in the MTN Champs Athletics Academy.
The success of these athletes is evident in their accomplishments. Participants from the program have achieved notable victories, including clinching 14 medals in national competitions. Furthermore, several athletes have proudly represented Nigeria on the international stage, most notably in the men’s 4x400m relay event.
Yemi Galadima, the Managing Editor of Making of Champions, also emphasized the profound impact of the MTN Championship on the trajectory of youth sports. “Here in Jos, we are witnessing an incredible display of talent with approximately 1,300 athletes from 148 schools and teams,” Galadima commented. “Over the coming three days, spectators will be treated to the dynamism of students participating across 94 events and four distinct age categories.”
Galadima further highlighted the significance of MTN Champs as a pivotal private-sector competition. “It provides a crucial platform for athletes across various events. Moreover, it has become an indispensable fixture in the calendar of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, offering athletes the invaluable opportunity to compete across four age categories, a rarity that was previously uncommon in Nigeria.”
Government Support and Future Aspirations
The selection of Plateau State as the host for this prestigious championship has been met with enthusiastic commendation. Musa Ashoms, the Plateau State Commissioner for Sports, expressed his delight and pledged unwavering government support to ensure the tournament’s success. “We are thrilled to host the MTN Champs in Plateau State, and we assure the organizers of the state government’s full backing,” Ashoms stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, conveyed her confidence in the championship’s ability to cultivate future champions while simultaneously championing the integration of education and sports. “We are immensely proud to host the MTN Champs in Plateau State, and we firmly believe this initiative will be instrumental in developing champions and fostering academic excellence alongside sporting achievements,” Gang remarked.
Professor Ezra Gunen, Director of the Plateau State Sports Council, lauded MTN for its sustained commitment to this vital initiative. He also took the opportunity to impart a crucial message to the young athletes, urging them to strike a harmonious balance between their athletic pursuits and their education. Gunen underscored the often-transient nature of sporting careers, emphasizing the indispensable role of academic foundations for long-term success and stability.
The 2026 MTN Championship in Jos is scheduled to conclude on March 28th, 2026. Following its successful run in Jos, the championship will then transition to Ibadan for its highly anticipated grand finale.
