Sports have always been a source of pride for Nigeria with athletics including sprinting, jumping, and track events producing exceptional world-class athletes for the country.
However, for many young athletes, the path to success is full of challenges and can prove to be difficult due to lack of funding and proper training facilities. That’s where the MTN Champs comes in. A path has been paved for many of these budding talents since this innovative grassroots track and field meet started in 2023 for participants to showcase their abilities, receive quality coaching, and pursue professional careers in sports.
In just two years, this competition has changed thousands of lives, giving them opportunities. As we anticipate the much-awaited third season, we are excited to see another batch of athletes ready to shine on the MTN Champs platform. But before we enter into the future and its endless possibilities, let us celebrate the stars that were born at MTN Champs.
For Onyeneho Jane Chioma, MTN Champs was more than just a competition – it was the moment her
athletic dream became reality. Jane was discovered in 2023 as a promising young sprinter, this got her admission into the Making of Champions (MoC) Academy based in Lagos, where she now trains with Deji Aliu, an Olympic medalist.
Reflecting on her journey, Jane describes the transformation as life-changing. “I was discovered at MTN Champs in 2023,” said Jane. “Now in 2025, I’m returning not just as a competitor, but as one of the top MVPs. Being in the MoC [Making of Champs] Academy in Lagos and sponsored by MTN has changed everything. I’m training under [olympic medalist] Coach Deji Aliu, surrounded by teammates who push me every day. This really is a dream come true”.
Jane’s journey to becoming one of the most promising track stars is the result of structured mentorship, elite coaching.
Showers Ushie is one of the breakout stars with high talent and skills who impressed the scouts during the 2023 MTN Champs. His effort not only earned him a place in the MoC Academy but also made him one of the top ten MVPs in the season. Now, Ushie has developed new skills and techniques surpassing known competitive standards in multiple events.
Showers reflected on how the platform shaped his journey: “I competed in the Benin edition in 2023 and got picked as one of the top 10 MVPs. It’s been an amazing experience at the academy since then. My older brother introduced me to the opportunity, and now I’m back to run the 100m this time in the senior category.”
His younger brother, Prosper Ushie, followed in his footsteps, proving that talent runs in the family. Despite initial resistance from their father, Prosper defied the odds by clinching a bronze medal in the junior boys’ 400m race, reinforcing the transformative power of MTN Champs in changing lives and shifting perceptions about athletics.
“At first, my dad didn’t want me to compete because he thought two sons in sports were enough,” Prosper shared. “But I stayed focused, and I ended up winning bronze in the junior boys’ 400m. Getting into the MoC Academy felt like all the effort had paid off. The training and support from MTN and MoC have been life-changing.”
From Benin to Lagos, the final leg of MTN Champs season 3 will be held in Uyo at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium from May 6 to May 9.
