MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics in Benin: Showcasing Nigeria’s…

The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics concluded, showcasing over 2,000 athletes. Key performances included David Efetobore winning gold in the senior boys’ 100m and 200m, and Grace Oyibu winning the junior girls’ 200m. The event indicated growth in Nigerian athletics and provided a platform for young athletes. Upcoming events include the Lagos leg and the grand finale in Uyo.

The conclusion of Day 3 of the MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics, held on March 15 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, highlighted the impressive capabilities of a new generation of Nigerian athletes. This event, essential to Nigeria’s grassroots athletics program, attracted over 2,000 competitors across cadet, youth, and junior categories, showcasing the depth of talent in the nation.

Among the standout athletes was Delta State’s David Efetobore, who excelled in the senior boys’ 100m and 200m races, achieving a remarkable time of 21.53 seconds in the 200m event. Additionally, 15-year-old Grace Oyibu from Onicha-Ugbo Mixed Secondary School emerged victorious in the junior girls’ 200m race with a time of 24.57 seconds, underscoring the bright future of athletics in Nigeria.

The competition also celebrated emerging talents such as 12-year-old Joel Oghele, who demonstrated notable skill and composure in the youth boys’ 200m against older competitors. Furthermore, Bayelsa State showcased its strength, particularly in junior girls’ events, boasting several podium finishes.

Bambo Akani, founder of Making of Champions (MoC), expressed his approval of the event’s expansion, reflecting on its initial stages, stating, “We started Season 1 here with around 1,000 athletes; now that number has doubled.” Akani highlighted that athletes from the Team MTN MoC Academy, following nine months of dedicated training in Lagos, made impressive debuts, earning multiple medals.

Looking toward the future, Akani confirmed that performances would be evaluated to identify the Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) for the upcoming Season 3 Grand Finale in Uyo. He noted the strong turnout of junior and youth athletes, which attracted approximately 1,000 competitors.

The MTN CHAMPS journey is set to continue in Lagos, with the Continental Relays scheduled for April 9-12 at YabaTech and UNILAG. The grand finale is planned for April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. This initiative aligns with MTN’s commitment to community empowerment, providing essential opportunities for young Nigerian athletes to transition into professional sports through competition and mentorship.

The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics have marked a significant milestone in nurturing young athletic talents in Nigeria. With over 2,000 athletes participating and outstanding performances from individuals like David Efetobore and Grace Oyibu, the event highlights the growing strength of grassroots athletics. This initiative lays the groundwork for aspiring athletes to advance their careers through competition and dedicated support, encapsulating MTN’s mission to empower youth and communities.

Original Source: bhmng.com