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Speaking at the press briefing, Yemi Galadima, Managing Editor of Making of Champs, said the warm reception received in Jos during Season 2 in 2024 informed their decision to return.
Yemi disclosed that since its inception in 2023, MTN Champs has reached over 23,000 athletes across more than 1,300 schools, spanning cadet (U-14), youth (U-17), junior (U-20), and senior categories—making it arguably the largest school athletics championship globally.
For the Jos leg, Galadima revealed that about 1,300 athletes from 148 schools and teams will compete over three days in approximately 94 events across various categories.
She emphasized that MTN Champs remains a key fixture in the calendar of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, noting its role in strengthening Team Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
“We are proud of the support we’ve given to Team Nigeria,” she said, citing recent qualifications for global relay competitions, including events linked to the World Athletics Relays scheduled in Botswana.
Galadima also appreciated MTN for extending its partnership with Making of Champs through 2028, ensuring sustained athlete development ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
She praised key partners, including the Nigeria School Sports Federation and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, for their continued collaboration.
Highlighting Jos as a talent hub, she presented two athletes discovered in Season 2 in Jos—Mercy Ogbonna and Benjamin Magaji—who are currently training at the Making of Champs Academy in Lagos under MTN sponsorship.
Other MTN representatives present at the briefing included Ugonwa Nwoye, Oby Ugboma, and ThankGod Otokpa.
The three-day championship commenced on March 26 and will run through March 28, promising an exciting showcase of emerging athletic talent across Nigeria.
Credit: Nathaniel Mobolade,Jos.
