Adegoke Promises Fast Times as Ibadan Hosts MTN CHAMPS Grand Final
Tokyo Olympic 100m finalist Enoch Adegoke has promised fireworks at the MTN CHAMPS Season 4 Grand Final in Ibadan, declaring that ‘Ibadan promises to be even greater’ than the fast times already witnessed in Calabar and Jos.
‘You may have seen great performances in Calabar and fast times in Jos, but Ibadan promises to be even greater,’ he said.
Adegoke, who serves as the MTN CHAMPS Ibadan Ambassador, will headline the men’s 100m event as the competition makes its biggest stop yet, with over 3,200 athletes from 375 schools and teams set to compete.
The Grand Final marks the first time Ibadan will stage the climax of the series, further cementing its reputation as a hub for grassroots athletics in Nigeria.
The Grand Final was officially unveiled at a press conference on Monday, April 13, attended by top dignitaries including Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Tunde Ajibike; and Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) Special Adviser (South), HRM Jacob Dairo Olutayo. MTN executives Idowu Adesokan and Oluseye Odunsi were also present, alongside Making of Champions (MoC) Founder/CEO, Bambo Akani.
Speaking on behalf of MTN, Idowu Adesokan described the Grand Final as ‘another defining moment in the MTN CHAMPS journey,’ noting: ‘In 2023, MTN launched CHAMPS with a clear vision to discover, nurture, and develop young athletes.
‘Across the country, we have seen athletes push their limits. Nigeria is rich in talent and potential, waiting for the right platform to emerge. Through this initiative, we have identified and selected 30 exceptional athletes. This platform can produce Olympic champions, and I believe we have started that journey.’
Olympic medalist Mary Onyali underscored the importance of funding, media exposure, and strong support systems: ‘MTN CHAMPS gives the country something to look forward to, and MoC is building a team of athletes hungry to break records. These athletes are investments for the future.’
Twenty Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) from the Calabar and Jos legs will also compete in Ibadan, including Miracle Festus Okon, Ayi Blessing Sekibo, Success Onyinyechi Onu, Bakare Rofiat Boluwatife, Josephine Onyemauche, and Weynom Shabi.
