Calabar Ignites as MTN Champs Season 4 Kicks Off
By Ekanem ASUQUO
Calabar is set to explode with speed, skill, and ambition as over 1,000 young athletes from 121 schools and teams across Nigeria storm the U.J. Esuene Stadium for the opening leg of Season 4 of MTN Champs.
The three-day meet, running from March 5 to 7, will transform the Cross River capital into the epicentre of Nigerian athletics, hosting the 12th edition of the championship since its launch in 2023.
Across 94 thrilling track and field events, competitors will vie in four age categories: Cadet under 14, Youth under 17, Junior under 20, and Senior. The scale of participation underscores MTN Champs’ meteoric rise as one of the country’s premier school-based athletics platforms. In just three seasons, over 22,000 athletes from more than 1,300 schools across eight cities have showcased their talents, turning the championship into a proven pipeline for national and international representation.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ikenna Emeka, described Calabar’s return as host city as a strategic homecoming. “Calabar is a city rich in culture and sporting tradition. Bringing MTN Champs back here is about nurturing talent where it truly grows. For me personally, it feels like coming home,” he said.
The impact is already visible through the MTN Champs Academy, where thirty outstanding athletes benefit from structured training and mentorship. “Within one year, our academy athletes have claimed 14 national medals and earned international exposure, representing Nigeria in major competitions. This shows that with the right platform and support, young athletes can shine on any stage,” Emeka added.
MTN Champs has also become a critical pathway to national selection, with nearly 80 percent of Nigeria’s team at the African Under 20 Championships having previously competed in the event. Yemi Galadima of Making of Champions emphasized the stakes: “Performances in Calabar could determine who makes it to the World Relays. This championship is more than a competition; it is a launchpad for Nigeria’s next generation of champions.”
With prize money for top-performing schools and attendance awards to reward enthusiastic supporters, the championship promises fierce battles on the track and electric energy in the stands. Emeka concluded, “Whether you win on the track or in the stands, MTN Champs celebrates your spirit. The next generation of Nigerian champions is ready to rise right here in Calabar.”
