For numerous teenagers, engaging in sports serves as a leisure activity; however, for 20 remarkable young athletes, it represents a crucial opportunity for a brighter future, facilitated by MTN Champs. This initiative is a national track and field competition established by the telecommunications leader MTN, in collaboration with the sports management firm Making of Champions (MoC), aimed at identifying and nurturing Nigeria's future Olympic stars.

Inspired by Jamaica's successful secondary championships, the program seeks to promote athletic excellence while building brand loyalty among the youth of Nigeria. Since its launch in 2023, MTN Champs has uncovered outstanding talent in various cities, including Benin, Uyo, Ibadan, Abuja, Asaba, Jos, and Calabar. In its first two seasons, over 15,000 athletes from 900 schools have taken part.

The newly selected athletes expressed how this year-long program has already begun to significantly impact their lives.

Patience Joseph
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.”

David Nda-Isaiah
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.”

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.”

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.

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.

MTN Champs: Fostering the Development of Young Nigerian Athletes

When asked what made 20 young athletes stand out among countless others to be inducted into the first cohort of Team MTN at the Making of Champs (MoC) Athletics Academy, the MoC founder, Bambo Akani shed light on the meticulous selection process.

Bambo Akani
“Broadly, it was based on actual competition, how fast they ran, and what potential we saw. Talent search takes a keen eye. We have very experienced coaches who studied the progression of their performances during the tournament and noted their sheer determination.”. The saying that a man’s skill paves a path for him couldn’t ring truer.

The MTN Champs initiative is more than just a sports development program; it’s a huge platform creating promising opportunities for Nigeria’s most promising young athletes, designed to provide access to resources, mentorship, and training that they need to excel in their fields. The recently held press conference revealed the profound impact the academy is having on these talented athletes, some of whom acknowledged that this was a chance for them to make themselves, their families, and schools proud.

Emmanuel Oyewale
“I am the first student to put my school on a greater map through athletics. Other competitions were mostly debate and spelling bee”, said Emmanuel, an SS3 graduate from Cornerstone Group of Schools, Oyo State.

The academy’s selection process was rigorous. “Character is also very important”, explains Bambo. “We go to their locales, families and school. It’s a very holistic process.”.

Fervent Edet
One of the most exciting aspects of the Academy’s support is the educational opportunities it provides. For those still in secondary school, MTN is sponsoring their education at Princeton College, one of the top private schools in Lagos. “As my Mom said, athletics is a part-time job. What comes first is education. Coming to Princeton is like a whole new level of education because I’m starting afresh from SS1, and I think it’s going to be exciting. ” says Fervent, one of the secondary school athletes.

For those who already completed their education at a secondary level, the MTN Champs initiative offers a pathway to higher education, with hopes of facilitating entry into collegiate programs. “It is our hope that while they’re in the Academy, they get scholarships at US Colleges and even Germany” notes Emamoke Ogoro, General Manager, Brand and Communications at MTN. 

Emamoke Ogoro
“We have almost 20 ambassadors who have gone through the same program where we combine education and football, and we’ve sponsored them to US colleges. A lot of them have graduated and are still our ambassadors today. We’ve been supporting sports development since 2001, the zeal for us is that since we stand for progress and will continue to nurture young talents, especially in a country where we have the median age of 18. We want to engage our youths to see the potential of honing their talents and competing at a global level.

Through initiatives like MTN Champs, MTN is revolutionizing youth and sports development in Nigeria. By combining athletic training with educational opportunities, this initiative is setting a new standard for how companies can contribute to the development of young talent.