‘We have a well-laid plan for them’ -MTN Champs targets 2032 Olympics medals for young athletes

The MTN Champs and the Making of Champions (MoC) Athletics Academy is intensifying its efforts to cultivate world-class athletes capable of securing medals for Nigeria in future Olympic Games.

While addressing members of the press, including Neusroom on the 8th of April, Deji Ogeyingbo, the Country Manager of Making of Champions (MoC), emphasized that the academy, in partnership with MTN, is committed to its mission. He admits that the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics may be too soon for the current cohort, but the Brisbane 2032 Games present a more realistic target for winning medals.

“Talent develops in phases, and some athletes progress faster than others,” Ogeyingbo noted. He highlighted Ifeanyi Ojeli, an alumnus of the MoC Academy, who represented Nigeria at the last Olympics, as a testament to the academy’s potential in nurturing Olympic-level talent.

To achieve these ambitious goals, MoC has outlined a comprehensive development strategy. This includes facilitating collegiate scholarships in the United States for select athletes, while others will continue their training within Nigeria.

“Some of them will travel to the US on collegiate scholarships, while some will remain in Nigeria to continue their training. Trust us, we have a well-laid-out plan for them,” Ogeyingbo assured, emphasizing the academy’s commitment to providing tailored pathways for each athlete’s growth.

Speaking at a press briefing on April 8, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, reiterated the company’s commitment to youth development through sports.

“MTN Champs is a platform that continues to grow, transform and inspire the future of athletes and athletics in Nigeria,” she said. “At MTN, we remain committed to supporting the dreams and aspirations of Nigeria, not only through innovative products but also through socially impactful initiatives, especially in football and athletics.”

The MTN CHAMPS initiative, launched in collaboration with telecommunications giant MTN, plays a pivotal role in this talent development pipeline. The program aims to reignite grassroots athletics talent search across Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of discovering and developing athletes who will deliver global medals and become future sporting legends for the nation.

The inaugural season saw over 7,000 athletes from 500 schools competing for more than 1,000 medals and 32 team titles across four cities: Benin, Uyo, Ibadan, and Abuja.

Top performers from the MTN CHAMPS are offered opportunities to join the MoC Athletics Academy in Lagos, benefiting from world-class training facilities, expert coaching, and comprehensive development programs. This initiative is designed to enhance their skills and prepare them for international competitions.

Lagos is set to host the third leg of the MTN Champs Season 3 with the highly anticipated Continental Relays, scheduled to take place from April 9 to April 12 across the Yabatech and UNILAG sports complexes.

The event follows the successful Benin Classics held in March and promises an even grander showcase of young and emerging athletic talent.

According to organisers, 2,505 athletes from 155 secondary schools have registered for the Lagos edition, with 6,298 total entries across a variety of track and field events. The roster includes 1,598 male and 907 female athletes, spanning four age categories: Cadet (U-14), Youth (U-17), Junior (U-20), and Senior.

In addition to local talent, this leg will feature a senior category with international athletes from the Benin Republic, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing the cross-border appeal of the MTN Champs initiative.

Athletes will compete in popular events including the 100m, 200m, 400m, high jump, long jump, and various relays.

By strategically investing in the development of young athletes and providing them with the necessary resources and exposure, the MTN Making of Champions Athletics Academy is steadfast in its mission to elevate Nigeria’s presence on the global athletics stage in the coming years.