₦20m Prize Money on Offer as MTN CHAMPS Season 4 Kicks Off in Calabar

Season 4 of MTN CHAMPS, Nigeria’s premier schools’ athletics championship, has officially begun in Calabar with ₦20 million in prize money on offer for participating schools.

The announcement was made at the press conference heralding the competition, which marks the second time Calabar will host the annual event.

MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, described Calabar as ‘a city rich in culture, hospitality, and a strong tradition of sporting excellence.’

She reflected on the journey of MTN CHAMPS, noting: ‘Over three seasons, more than 22,000 young people have participated, representing over 1,300 schools. Thirty exceptional athletes from the MVPs are currently enrolled in the MoC Academy, where they receive world-class training, mentorship, and support.

‘Within just one year, our Academy athletes have secured 14 national medals and 10 international medals. These achievements show what is possible when young Nigerian athletes are given the right platform, preparation, and belief.’

The prize structure will see the top four schools rewarded with ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, ₦1 million, and ₦500,000 respectively.

In addition, MTN will recognize schools with the highest stadium attendance, with ₦5 million going to the top school, ₦3 million to second place, ₦2 million to third, ₦1.5 million to fourth, ₦1 million to fifth, and ₦500,000 each to schools ranked sixth to tenth.

Representing MoC Founder/CEO Bambo Akani, Managing Editor Yemi Galadima emphasized the inclusivity of the competition, which now features a Senior category alongside Cadet (U14), Youth (U17), and Junior (U20).

She highlighted its impact on national representation: ‘Last year, Nigeria hosted the African U18/U20 Championships, and about 80% of the athletes representing Nigeria had competed at MTN CHAMPS.’

She also pointed to Nigeria’s qualification for the World Relays through the Mixed 4x100m team assembled at the Continental Relays in Lagos, stressing the importance of maximizing opportunities at this year’s events in Calabar and Jos ahead of the April 5 qualification deadline.

Over 1,000 athletes from 138 schools are expected to compete at the U.J. Esuene Stadium from March 5 to 7. The competition will then move to Jos for the Continental Relays from March 26 to 28, before culminating in Ibadan with the Grand Finale from April 15 to 18.