Ibadan is set to host the grand finale of MTN Champs Season 4, an event expected to bring together more than 3,200 athletes from across Nigeria. The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, affirmed the state government's dedication to youth development and grassroots sports during a press briefing in Ibadan.
The three-day championship will be held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba. Commissioner Adegoke stated that the state government has made comprehensive arrangements to accommodate athletes, officials, and spectators, emphasizing the competition's alignment with the state's goals for youth empowerment and sports advancement.
MTN Champs is a track and field competition designed to identify exceptional athletes from schools nationwide. The Season 4 Grand Finale, running from April 14 to April 17, 2026, will foster a competitive environment for young athletes, coaches, sports enthusiasts, and stakeholders, promoting excellence in athletics.
“The state government is fully committed to providing an enabling environment for programmes like this to thrive. We see sports as a critical tool for youth engagement, talent discovery and socio-economic development,” Adegoke said. She added that the government would continue to support initiatives that identify and nurture young talents, positioning Oyo State as a hub for sporting excellence.
Bambo Akani, the founder of Making of Champions, revealed that 3,200 athletes, 215 schools, and 325 teams had registered for the competition. He described the event as a crucial platform for discovering and developing young athletic talent.
Akani highlighted that several outstanding performers from past editions have already benefited from international opportunities, with some receiving full scholarships to schools in the United States. He expressed confidence that athletes identified through the MTN Champs initiative would achieve success in international competitions.
“We are not just organising competitions; we are building future champions. I strongly believe that many of these young athletes will go on to represent Nigeria with distinction at global events,” Akani concluded.
