The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics concluded on March 15 in Benin City, featuring over 2,000 young athletes. Notable performances included David Efetobore’s dual gold medals and Grace Oyibu’s strong showing in the 200m. The event highlighted rising talents and set the stage for the next leg in Lagos, culminating in a grand finale in Uyo.
The concluding day of the MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics took place on March 15 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, highlighting the talent of young athletes from across Nigeria. This significant three-day event, central to Nigeria’s grassroots athletics, witnessed over 2,000 competitors across various junior categories, fostering the development of future sports stars.
Among the standout athletes, David Efetobore from Delta State excelled by winning gold in both the senior boys’ 100m and 200m events, achieving a remarkable time of 21.53 seconds in the 200m. Additionally, Grace Oyibu, a promising 15-year-old from Onicha-Ugbo Mixed Secondary School, triumphed in the junior girls’ 200m with a time of 24.57 seconds, further illustrating the depth of talent at the event.
The competition also showcased other emerging talents, including 12-year-old Joel Oghele, who performed admirably in the youth boys’ 200m against older competitors. Bayelsa State athletes especially shone in the junior girls’ events, achieving multiple podium finishes.
Bambo Akani, founder of Making of Champions (MoC), expressed his satisfaction with the event’s expansion, remarking, “We started Season 1 here with around 1,000 athletes; now that number has doubled.” He mentioned that athletes from the Team MTN MoC Academy, after an extensive nine months of training, successfully participated and earned several medals.
Looking ahead, Akani indicated that performances from this event would be assessed to determine the Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) for the upcoming Season 3 Grand Finale in Uyo. He acknowledged the strong turnout, particularly noting, “The juniors and youths especially came out in strong numbers. About 1,000 youth athletes competed.”
The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 will transition to Lagos for the next leg, featuring the Continental Relays from April 9-12 at YabaTech and UNILAG. The grand finale is scheduled for April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, providing a crucial platform for young Nigerian athletes to advance toward professional sports careers through competition and mentorship.
The MTN CHAMPS Season 3 Classics has successfully showcased Nigeria’s burgeoning athletic talent, reinforcing its role in grassroots sports development. With significant participation and standout performances, the event serves as a vital step for aspiring athletes. The upcoming stages, including the Lagos leg and the grand finale in Uyo, promise to further enhance opportunities for young competitors, driving professional athletics potential in Nigeria.
Original Source: bhmng.com
