How MTN Champs Is Transforming Lives Of Young Athletes

For many teenagers, sports is a pastime but for 20 exceptional young athletes, it’s their pathway to a brighter future, thanks to MTN Champs. The initiative is a national track and field competition designed by telecommunications giant MTN, in partnership with the sports management company, Making of Champions (MoC) to identify and nurture Nigeria’s future Olympic champions.

Modeled after Jamaica’s successful secondary championships, the program aims to cultivate athletic excellence while fostering brand loyalty among young Nigerians. Since its inception in 2023, MTN CHAMPS has discovered exceptional talent across several cities including Benin, Uyo, Ibadan, Abuja, Asaba, Jos, and Calabar. Over 15,000 athletes from 900 schools have participated in the first two seasons.

The newly unveiled athletes shared how this one-year program has already begun transforming their lives in profound ways.

Patience, who traveled seven hours from Imo State to Uyo for the MTN Champs tournament and was the first athlete to arrive at the Athletes’ House, found herself in utter excitement when she was selected to join the Academy. “That has been the prayer of my parents. They normally pray for me to get this kind of opportunity,” she says. “I think my parents will be very happy seeing me here today. I’m happy to be in a new school environment. I have more experience and I’ve made new friends.”

Patience Joseph

For athletes like David Nda-Isaiah, who competed in the 100m and 200m race with a personal best of 11.44 secs for the 100m and 23.64 for 200m, the transition from school-level competitions to representing his entire school on a larger stage has been monumental. “Participating in the MTN Champs tournament was a whole new level of elevation for me,” David explains. “It’s not just about competing; it’s about representing something bigger.”

David Nda-Isaiah

Meanwhile, Mercy, who has always had a strong athletic drive, admitted the Academy’s rigorous training regimen was initially a challenge. “The training here is different from what I’ve been used to in Jos,” Mercy reveals. “It was tough at first, but I’m adapting to it. The experience is pushing me to improve in ways I never imagined.”

Mercy Ogbonna        

These athletes’ stories reflect a broader narrative of empowerment and opportunity facilitated by MTN’s commitment to grassroots sports development across Nigeria. As they navigate this transformative year, they are honing their skills, and charting the course to academic and athletic success