MTN Nigeria hosted a press conference to officially kick off MTN Champs Season 4, signalling a new chapter in the country’s grassroots athletics development. The event brought together sports icons, media, and key partners to celebrate the program’s role in empowering youth and building structured pathways to international stages.

Opening the event, Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technology Officer, MTN Nigeria, emphasized the brand’s unwavering dedication to the youth. He reiterated that MTN is committed to providing young Nigerian athletes with a structured runway to support long-term preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The highlight of the ceremony was a symbolic baton handover that captured the spirit of continuity and ambition at the heart of the program. Iconic Nigerian Olympians Mary Onyali (MFR) and Emmanuel Ojeli passed the baton to athletes from the Making of Champions (MoC) Academy, representing the transition from current legends to the next generation of champions.

Bambo Akani, CEO of Making of Champions, highlighted the tangible impact of this partnership, noting how it bridges the gap between raw talent and professional competition. This success was underscored by the celebration of 24 national and international medals already won by Team MTN athletes.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Top 10 athletes from the Making of Champions Athletes Academy. These rising stars, scouted during the intense trials of previous seasons,

received golden tickets to join the academy, bringing the total roster to a record 30 elite athletes.

Adding to this momentum, a three-year scholarship was announced for two academy athletes through Beacon Power Services, further proving that MTN Champs is a long-term investment in the lives and careers of Nigeria’s future sporting legends.