The grand finale of the MTN CHAMPS athletics competition came to a dramatic and colourful close at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where the top 10 Most Valuable Performers (MVPs) of the tournament were officially unveiled, bringing the four-day spectacle to an exciting end.
The closing ceremony, which drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and top executives of MTN Nigeria, celebrated the young athletes who distinguished themselves across multiple events and age categories.
The final day featured showdowns in the 200m, 800m, and High Jump events, drawing rousing cheers from spectators and supporters as athletes competed for top honours.
In the Senior Women’s 200m final, Faith Odumoso capped off a remarkable meet by completing the sprint double. She blazed to victory with a winning time of 24.17 seconds. Close behind was Team MTN’s Miracle Donald, who clocked a Personal Best (PB) of 24.45 seconds for silver, while Jane Onyeneho settled for third in 24.48 seconds.
The Senior Men’s event saw Bayelsa’s Akumodogiyo Shalom George emerge champion, followed by Victor Marcus Williams and Pelumi Emmanuel Adesunloro in second and third places respectively.
Faith Chukwuma dominated the Junior Women’s category, sprinting to gold in the 200m after earlier clinching bronze in the 100m. Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo and Team MVP’s Tejiri Ugoh followed with silver and bronze.
Ezekiel Asuquo of Team MTN continued to dazzle, grabbing his second gold medal after storming to victory in the 200m in 21.39 seconds, having previously taken the 400m title. Liberty Okon and Goodluck Johnbull completed the podium.
In the Youth Girls’ category, Bernice Onoriode delivered a commanding performance to secure her own sprint double with a Personal Best of 25.52 seconds. Goodnews Saturday, also with a PB of 25.56 seconds, took silver, while Rebecca Enilolobo finished in 25.87 seconds for bronze.
Peter Onoriode impressed in the Youth Boys’ 200m final with a new PB of 22.74 seconds to clinch gold. Team MVP’s Destiny Reuben and Seriki Kehinde Opemipo followed in second and third.
The Cadet Girls’ race saw Ebimoboere Christopher maintain her dominance, grabbing gold in 26.52 seconds — a new PB — leading a Team MVP sweep that included Abigael Ogunbowale and Nneoma Okonkwo.
Abdulaleem Abdulsalam proved unbeatable in the Cadet Boys’ 200m, clocking 24.96 seconds to win gold. Teammate David Ekunwe came second while Kingsley Prosper of Aunty Iso took bronze.
Akwa Ibom’s Inimfon Akaso claimed gold in the Senior Men’s 800m with a time of 2:04.76 (PB), while fellow Akwa Ibom athlete Edidiong Udotong (2:06.46, PB) secured bronze. Solomon Josiah of Real Overcomers placed second with a PB of 2:04.94.
In the Junior Men’s 800m final, Saviour Alexander clinched gold in 2:04.31 (PB), with Sam-Kay’s Samson Tebowei and John Kingsley trailing behind in silver and bronze positions.
In the women’s equivalent, Team MVP’s Elizabeth Olumide ran an impressive Personal Best of 2:14.65 to grab the top spot. She was followed by Team MTN’s Patience Joseph (2:20.72, PB) and Esther Nwankwo (2:26.62, PB).
In the High Jump events, Youth Girls’ champion Karo Onisuru cleared 1.45m to share top honours with Favour Owivri, while Victoria Ita Fredy finished third. Clergy Edet took gold in the Senior Women’s High Jump, while Chukwuemeka Alozie emerged winner in the men’s version.
The relay events saw Team MVP dominate across the Cadet and Youth categories in the 4x100m races, while Team MTN delivered strong performances to sweep both the Junior and Senior relays.
The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final not only showcased the depth of talent in Nigerian athletics but also highlighted MTN’s continued investment in grassroots sports development. The athletes honoured as MVPs underscored the future of Nigerian track and field, with several putting up standout performances and recording personal bests.
