The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics in Benin City concluded with over 2,000 young athletes competing. Notable performances included David Efetobore and Grace Oyibu. The event’s growth was emphasized by the participation of Team MTN MoC Academy athletes. Future events include the Lagos leg and the Grand Finale in Uyo, promoting young talent in Nigeria.
The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics concluded on March 15 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, showcasing young Nigerian athletic talent. Over 2,000 athletes participated in various categories, highlighting the importance of grassroots athletics development.
David Efetobore from Delta State excelled, winning gold in the senior boys’ 100m and 200m events, clocking 21.53 seconds in the latter. In the junior girls’ category, Grace Oyibu, a 15-year-old from Onicha-Ugbo Mixed Secondary School, won the 200m with a time of 24.57 seconds.
Promising talents like 12-year-old Joel Oghele, who competed in the youth boys’ 200m, showed remarkable skill against older competitors. Bayelsa State displayed strength in junior girls’ events, achieving multiple podium finishes.
Bambo Akani, founder of Making of Champions (MoC), noted the event’s growth from 1,000 athletes in Season 1 to over 2,000. Additionally, competitors from the Team MTN MoC Academy, after nine months of training in Lagos, made their debut and won medals.
Looking forward, Akani indicated that athlete performances will be evaluated to choose the Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) for the Season 3 Grand Finale in Uyo. He mentioned strong youth participation, with approximately 1,000 youth athletes competing.
The next phase of the MTN CHAMPS will include the Lagos leg, featuring Continental Relays from April 9-12 at YabaTech and UNILAG, culminating in the grand finale scheduled for April 30 to May 3 at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
This initiative supports MTN’s commitment to empower communities by providing young athletes essential opportunities for professional development through competition and mentorship.
The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics successfully showcased Nigeria’s emerging athletic talents, demonstrating the event’s role in grassroots sports development. Noteworthy performances from athletes like David Efetobore and Grace Oyibu highlighted the depth of potential in the nation’s youth. The upcoming Lagos leg and Grand Finale further emphasize the program’s commitment to nurturing future stars in athletics.
Original Source: bhmng.com
