MTN Introduces Multi-Million Naira School Incentives as Over 1,000 Athletes Compete in Calabar.
Calabar is once again at the centre of Nigeria’s youth athletics movement as MTN officially launches another edition of its flagship schools championship, MTN Champs, with expanded rewards, record participation and growing international relevance.
Speaking at the press briefing, MTN Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna Emeka, described the competition as both a homecoming and a celebration of young Nigerian excellence.
“It is an honour to be back in this vibrant town as MTN proudly returns to Calabar for the second time to host the MTN Champs,” she said. “Calabar continues to shine as a city rich in culture, hospitality, and most importantly, a strong tradition of sporting excellence. This is why MTN is delighted to bring Champs back to Calabar because it is a place where talent truly grows.”
22,000 Athletes, 1,300 Schools, 11 Competitions and Counting
Since its inception in 2023, MTN Champs has recorded significant national reach. According to organisers, more than 22,000 young athletes from over 1,300 schools have participated across 11 competitions in eight cities nationwide.
The Calabar edition marks the 12th competition under the MTN Champs banner.
Lady Yemi Galadima, Managing Editor of Making of Champions (MOC), noted that the championship has become a major fixture in Nigerian athletics.
“As we stand on the threshold of a new season of Nigeria’s biggest athletics school championships, the stage is set once again for the discovery and development of Nigeria’s next generation of world beaters,” she said.
This year’s Calabar event will feature over 1,000 athletes from 121 schools and teams, competing across four categories:
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Cadets (Under-14)
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Youth (Under-17)
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Juniors (Under-20)
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Senior
With almost 100 events scheduled, organisers describe MTN Champs as one of the largest school athletics competitions globally.
Academy Success: Medals at Home and Abroad
One of the most notable outcomes of the initiative is the MTN Champs Academy, where 30 selected athletes currently receive structured training and mentorship.
Within one year, academy athletes have secured:
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14 national medals across three national sporting events
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Representation for Team Nigeria in the men’s 4x400m relay
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International medals at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia
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Success at the Confederation of African Athletes competition in Ghana
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Medals at the African School Games in Algeria
According to Emeka, “These achievements are a testament to what is possible when young Nigerian athletes are given the right platform, the right preparation, and the right belief.”
Galadima further revealed that academy athletes won 38 medals across the MTN Champs circuit last year, alongside 14 national and 10 international medals, with several representing Nigeria at continental championships.
Direct Pathway to International Qualification
The Calabar meet also carries international implications.
Galadima disclosed that approximately 80% of Nigeria’s team to the African Under-20 Championships last year had competed at MTN Champs, underscoring the competition’s role as a talent pipeline.
Attention now turns to qualification for the upcoming World Relays in Botswana. Nigeria’s current qualification stems from a 42.91-second performance in the Mixed 4x1 relay at the Continental Relays in Lagos the country’s only secured qualification time so far.
“The deadline is April 5th,” she explained. “So they have to maximise the competition in Calabar and then the Continental Relays to try and qualify.”
Ethiopia is also sending athletes to compete, highlighting the growing continental importance of the event.
MTN Extends Partnership to 2028 Ahead of Olympic Cycle
In a significant development, MTN has extended its partnership with Making of Champions through 2028, covering Seasons Four, Five and Six of the championship.
The extension strategically aligns with the next Olympic cycle.
“This means for the next three years we are going to be sponsoring these competitions to help Team Nigeria prepare across all ages,” Galadima said.
The timing is crucial. The 2026 athletics calendar includes:
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World Relays (May)
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African Senior Championships (June)
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Commonwealth Games (July)
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World Under-20 Championships (August)
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World Championships (September)
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Youth Olympics (November)
Launching MTN Champs early in the year provides competitive preparation for athletes targeting these events.
Historic Introduction of School Prize Money
For the first time, MTN Champs is introducing direct monetary rewards for schools.
Track Performance Awards:
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1st Place: ₦2 million
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2nd Place: ₦1.5 million
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3rd Place: ₦1 million
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4th Place: ₦500,000
In addition, a new attendance reward category has been created to encourage school spirit and crowd support:
Attendance Awards:
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1st Place: ₦5 million
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2nd Place: ₦3 million
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3rd Place: ₦2 million
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4th Place: ₦1.5 million
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5th Place: ₦1 million
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6th–10th Place: ₦500,000 each
“These funds will help to strengthen school sports programmes and support the next generation of athletes,” Emeka stated.
She urged principals, teachers and students to mobilise support:
“Whether you win on the track or in the stands, MTN is here to celebrate your school’s spirit.”
NSSF Applauds Discipline and Zero Tolerance for Age Cheating
Pastor Emmanuel Ebong, Second Vice President of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), commended both MTN and MOC for maintaining discipline and structure within the programme.
“For about the past three years, we sent our children to you. We’ve not heard that any one of them has misbehaved,” he said, describing the initiative as fostering “off-track discipline”.
He added that the federation maintains a strict stance against age manipulation.
“We pitch zero toleration to age cheat in school sport in Nigeria,” Ebong emphasised.
The NSSF also confirmed that Nigeria will host the next African School Sport Festival in 2027 and expressed confidence that athletes emerging from MTN Champs will form a strong contingent.
Building Nigeria’s Next Generation of Champions
Across all remarks, a central theme emerged: opportunity.
MTN Champs is positioning itself not merely as a competition, but as a structured development pathway from school fields to national teams, and from national representation to international podiums.
“To the young athletes preparing to compete, we celebrate you,” Emeka said. “We believe in you.”
With record participation, financial incentives for schools, international qualification stakes and an extended sponsorship through the next Olympic cycle, the Calabar edition signals that MTN Champs is no longer just a tournament it is becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s athletics future.
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