The MTN CHAMPS Benin Athletics Classics ignited at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and UNIBEN Sports Complex, showcasing a dazzling display of athletic prowess from over 2,000 participants. Day 1 of the competition witnessed a surge of outstanding performances, with athletes pushing their limits and setting new personal and season bests, foreshadowing an electrifying 2025 athletics season. Among the standout performers were familiar faces from previous MTN CHAMPS seasons, demonstrating the program’s success in fostering and nurturing young athletic talent.
Benjamin Magaji, discovered during Season 2 of the MTN CHAMPS in Jos, blazed through the men’s 400m heats, clocking an impressive personal best of 48.23 seconds. This remarkable feat secured him the fastest qualifying time, positioning him as a strong contender for the finals. Trailing closely behind Magaji were Emmanuel Baraburu (48.27s) and Emmanuel Salubi (48.53s), setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown. Magaji’s performance underscores the effectiveness of the MTN CHAMPS program in identifying and developing promising athletes.
Miracle Sonny, a Season 1 MVP athlete, made a triumphant return to the CHAMPS, dominating the junior women’s 400m heats. Sonny showcased her exceptional speed and stamina, clocking a personal best of 54.92 seconds, the fastest time across all heats. Victoria Olaniyi also impressed with a new personal best of 55.62s, followed by Success Okoro with 55.92s. The fierce competition in the women’s 400m promises an exciting race for the top spot in the upcoming rounds.
The junior men’s 400m heats were equally competitive, with Gafar Badmus setting a season’s best of 47.94 seconds, solidifying his position as the fastest qualifier. David Akhalu and Eniola Shiro followed closely with times of 48.22s and 48.30s respectively, while Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo secured the fourth fastest time at 48.92s. The impressive performances across the men’s 400m heats suggest a close and exciting final.
The youth (U17) categories also witnessed impressive displays of talent. Elizabeth Olumide, Team MTN’s Chizoba Onyemauwa, and Agape Elisha emerged as the fastest qualifiers in the girls’ 400m. In the boys’ category, Emmanuel Chukwueweniwe, Oghenetega Abednigo, and Dominion Udoh secured their spots in the semi-finals with the fastest qualifying times. These young athletes represent the future of Nigerian athletics, and their performances at the MTN CHAMPS highlight the depth of emerging talent.
The 100m semi-finals further intensified the competition, with Mmesoma Ezeobi edging out Miracle Ezechukwu by a mere 0.01 seconds to secure the fastest qualifying time of 11.88s in the junior women’s category. Caleb John dominated the junior men’s semi-finals with a season’s best of 10.59s. The stage is set for an exhilarating 100m final, promising close finishes and potentially new records being set. In the field events, two-time MTN CHAMPS MVP Adaeze Ezeh continued her dominance, winning the junior women’s long jump with a leap of 6.05m. Ezeh’s consistent outstanding performance reinforces her status as a top athlete to watch. The first day of the MTN CHAMPS Benin Athletics Classics concluded with a flurry of impressive performances, laying the groundwork for an even more captivating Day 2 featuring the 100m and 400m finals, along with the 4x100m heats. The competition showcased the depth and breadth of athletic talent in Nigeria, highlighting the success of the MTN CHAMPS program in identifying and developing young athletes. The remaining days of the competition promise even more excitement and highlight-reel worthy moments as athletes continue to push their limits in pursuit of victory.
