The highly anticipated MTN Champs Continental Relays, a key component of Nigeria’s premier grassroots athletics championship, is set to take center stage in Lagos from April 9 to April 12, 2025. With over 1,000 athletes from across Nigeria and other African nations expected to compete, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and innovation in track and field sports.
Overview of the MTN Champs
MTN Champs, now in its third season, has become a cornerstone for grassroots athletics development in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2023, the championship has provided a platform for young athletes to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels. Modeled after Jamaica’s High School CHAMPS, MTN Champs has grown exponentially in participation and scope, attracting over 7,000 athletes from nearly 500 schools during its previous editions.
Season 3 of the championship kicked off in Benin City from March 13–15 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the University of Benin Sports Complex. The Lagos leg will host the Continental Relays at two iconic venues: Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex and the University of Lagos Sports Complex. The season will culminate with the Grand Finals in Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium from April 30 to May 3.
Continental Relays: A Groundbreaking Innovation
The Continental Relays represent a significant milestone for MTN Champs as it aims to elevate Nigeria’s status as Africa’s relay capital. This segment introduces an international dimension to the championship by inviting teams from five African countries to compete alongside Nigerian athletes. The relays are designed to foster regional collaboration while showcasing Africa’s best talents in track and field.
Athletes will compete across four categories: Cadet (U-14), Youth (U-17), Junior (U-20), and Senior (no age restrictions). The Senior category includes elite athletes representing states, clubs, universities, and unattached teams. Participants will vie for individual glory and team points that contribute to crowning the inaugural MTN Continental Relay Champions.
Technical Excellence and Accessibility
MTN Champs has partnered with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) as its official technical partner to ensure all races are electronically timed and results globally ratified. Additionally, real-time results and team scoring will be accessible via the Roster Athletics app, providing transparency and engagement for fans, coaches, and athletes alike.
The event also prioritizes inclusivity by partnering with the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) as its official schools’ partner. This collaboration ensures widespread access for students across host cities while promoting grassroots sports development.
Lagos: A Hub for Athletic Excellence
Hosting the Continental Relays in Lagos underscores the city’s significance as a hub for sports development in Nigeria. The choice of Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos as venues reflects MTN’s commitment to leveraging world-class facilities for its events. With over 1,000 athletes expected to participate, Lagos is set to witness an electrifying display of athletic prowess.
Impact on Grassroots Sports Development
MTN Champs has emerged as a transformative initiative that identifies raw talent and nurtures it into world-class competitors. Hon. Desmond Amadin Enebulele, Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, emphasized this during the Benin leg of Season 3: “MTN is a company with the ability to spot rough diamonds and refine them into world champions.”
Osaze Obeku, Senior Manager at MTN Nigeria, echoed this sentiment by highlighting MTN’s vision of transforming local athletes into global stars. This year’s edition continues this legacy by providing opportunities for young Nigerians to compete on an international stage while fostering ambition and connectivity.
Looking Ahead: The Grand Finale
The season will conclude with a grand finale in Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium from April 30 to May 3. This event promises to be a fitting climax to an exciting season filled with innovation and competition. As athletes prepare for this ultimate showdown, they carry with them not just hopes for victory but also aspirations for global recognition.
Conclusion
The MTN Champs Continental Relays in Lagos mark a pivotal moment in grassroots athletics development in Nigeria. By combining local talent with international competition, this event serves as a platform for showcasing Africa’s athletic potential while fostering unity through sports. As over 1,000 athletes gear up for this historic occasion, Lagos is set to witness an unforgettable celebration of speed, skill, and determination that will inspire future generations of track and field stars.
