By Abasi Ita
Calabar is set to come alive with speed, strength, and ambition as over 1,000 young athletes from 121 schools and teams across Nigeria converge on the U.J. Esuene Stadium for the opening leg of Season 4 of MTN Champs.
Scheduled from March 5 to 7, the three-day meet will transform the Cross River capital into the heartbeat of Nigerian athletics, hosting the 12th competition since the championship’s launch in 2023.
Across 94 thrilling track and field events, athletes will compete in four age categories: Cadet under 14, Youth under 17, Junior under 20, and Senior. The sheer scale of participation underscores MTN Champs’ rapid rise as one of the country’s largest school-based athletics platforms. In just three seasons, over 22,000 athletes from more than 1,300 schools across eight cities have competed, turning the championship into a proven national talent pipeline.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ikenna Emeka, described Calabar’s return as host city as a strategic move. “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 evident. Thirty standout athletes are currently enrolled in the MTN Champs Academy, receiving 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 when young athletes are given the right platform and support, they can shine on any stage,” Emeka added.
MTN Champs has become a reliable pathway to national team selection, with nearly 80 percent of Nigeria’s representatives at the African Under 20 Championships having previously competed in the event. Yemi Galadima of Making of Champions highlighted 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 the top schools and attendance awards to reward passionate 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.”