By A total of 2,505 athletes are gearing up to compete in the MTN Champs Lagos Continental Relays, scheduled from April 9 to 12, 2025. The event will take place at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex and the University of Lagos Sports Complex.
The competition will feature athletes from Nigeria and neighboring countries such as Benin Republic, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, across four age categories: Cadet (U-14), Youth (U-17), Junior (U-20), and Senior. Track and field events, including sprints, relays, and jumps, will be the highlight of the tournament.
A total of 6,298 event entries have been recorded, with 1,598 male and 907 female athletes participating. The event, which also welcomes international competitors, aims to foster young talent through high-level competition.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, emphasized the brand’s commitment to youth development. “MTN Champs is a platform that continues to grow, transform, and inspire the future of athletes and athletics in Nigeria,” she stated.
Since its launch in 2023, MTN Champs has discovered and trained emerging talents across Nigeria, with 20 Most Valuable Players (MVPs) currently benefiting from a one-year scholarship at a Lagos-based academy. The initiative, supported by the Lagos State Government and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, is designed to nurture future champions.
Deji Ogeyinbo, Country Manager of Making of Champions (MoC), highlighted the program’s impact. “We have reached remote villages to discover exceptional athletes who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to showcase their talents,” he said.
