Ibadan, the Oyo state capital is playing host to the much awaited MTN CHAMPS Season 4, which is expected to reach its climax at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba stadium and UI sports complex, as athletes across the country gather for the highly anticipated Grand Finale.
The four-day activities which commences on Tuesday 14th April to 17th April 2026 and organised in partnership with Making of Champions MoC, provides a structured pathway for young athletes to develop their skills and pursue opportunities on the global stage, including qualification pathways toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
With a twenty million naira prize pool, the top 10 standout talents will be invited to join the MoC Athletics Academy while a reward system has been arranged for both individual brilliance and institutional support.
“Top schools can win up to ₦5 million, while individual champions receive up to ₦2 million. It’s our way of investing back into the schools and athletes that make Nigerian sports great”
At a world press conference held to herald the sporting activities in Ibadan, General manager, Consumer Segment, MTN Nigeria, Mr Idowu Adesokan said the MTN CHAMPS is a Long-term Vision which was part of the MTN three-year commitment to build a sustainable pipeline for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Mr Adesokan said the maiden edition of the MTN CHAMPS was hosted in Benin, Uyo, and Ibadan, with the grand finale in Abuja having over 7,000 young athletes who participated, representing 375 secondary schools.
He noted that the Season Two which was built on the strong foundation with Over 8,000 athletes participated, had representatives from 500 secondary schools.
He said “Season Three spanned Benin, Lagos, and Uyo, attracting 6,964 athletes, with participation from 802 schools and teams—a significant increase in institutional representation despite fewer host cities.
“And now, Season Four, This season promises to be our most exciting yet. We began in Calabar, moved on to Jos, and now arrive in Ibadan, which hosts the grand finale—marking the first time the finals are being held in the South-West.
“For the first time this season, we also introduced a ₦20 million regional grant to schools—an initiative designed to drive grassroots sports development, boost participation, and reward outstanding institutional performance.
Also speaking, Mr Bambo Akanni, Founder and CEO of Making of Champions, MoC, said 14 competitions have been done within the four seasons, saying 375 teams from about three thousand applications were received from Ibadan for the season four
“We invite everyone in Ibadan and the surrounding areas to the Adamasingba Stadium from April 14 to 17. Entry is free, and the energy is going to be electric as we discover the next stars of Nigerian track and field.
In her remarks, Oyo state commissioner for youth and sports, Wasilat Adegoke said the initiative was in line with governor Seyi Makinde’s vision to identify talents among the youths, urging the athletes to make judicious use of the opportunity.
Others who spoke at the press conference including five times Olympic winner, Mary Onyali said MTN has provided what it takes to create an Olympic champion with their massive investment in the beneficiaries capacity, publicity and other necessary opportunities which they said we’re capital intensive.
