The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final reached its crescendo at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with the unveiling of the top 10 Most Valuable Performers, a fitting culmination of four days of intense competition. Distinguished guests, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission and MTN executives, graced the vibrant closing ceremony, which served as a platform to recognize the exceptional athleticism displayed throughout the championship. The final day witnessed a flurry of thrilling races in the 200m and 800m events, as well as the high jump, across various age categories, culminating in the selection of the standout performers.
The Senior Women’s 200m race saw Faith Odumoso complete a sprint double, adding the 200m title to her earlier 100m victory. Odumoso’s impressive 24.17secs finish underscored her dominance in the category. Team MTN’s Miracle Donald pushed her limits, securing second place with a personal best of 24.45secs, while Jane Onyeneho closely followed in third. The men’s 200m final witnessed a triumph for Bayelsa’s Akumodogiyo Shalom George, who outpaced Victor Marcus Williams and Pelumi Emmanuel Adesunloro, who secured second and third place finishes respectively.
The Junior Women’s 200m race further solidified Faith Chukwuma’s strong performance at the championship. Having already clinched a bronze medal in the 100m, she powered through to secure the 200m gold, adding another accolade to her growing list of achievements. Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo and Team MVP’s Tejiri Ugoh trailed closely behind, earning silver and bronze, respectively. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo secured his second gold medal of the competition, winning the Junior Men’s 200m race in a swift 21.39secs after previously winning the 400m. Liberty Okon and Goodluck Johnbull completed the podium in second and third place.
The Youth categories showcased equally impressive performances. Bernice Onoriode spearheaded a clean sweep for Team MVP in the Girls’ 200m final. Her lifetime best of 25.52secs not only secured her the gold but also marked her second sprint victory, mirroring Odumoso’s achievement in the senior category. Teammates Goodnews Saturday and Rebecca Enilolobo followed suit, securing silver and bronze, with Saturday achieving a personal best. In the Youth Boys’ race, Peter Onoriode stole the show with a personal best of 22.74secs, claiming the gold medal. Team MVP continued its strong showing, with Destiny Reuben and Seriki Kehinde Opemipo taking silver and bronze, respectively.
The Cadet Girls’ 200m race witnessed another dominant performance, this time from Ebimoboere Christopher, who led a Team MVP sweep. Her personal best of 26.52secs secured her the gold, followed by teammates Abigael Ogunbowale and Nneoma Okonkwo. Continuing his outstanding performance, Abdulaleem Abdulsalam further cemented his dominance by winning the Cadet Boys’ 200m race in a blazing 24.96secs. His teammate David Ekunwe claimed the silver medal, while Aunty Iso’s Kingsley Prosper secured the bronze. These races highlighted the depth of talent within Team MVP and showcased their strength across different age categories.
The 800m races and High Jump events rounded out the day’s competition. Akwa Ibom athletes Inimfon Akaso and Edidiong Udotong secured first and third positions, respectively, in the Men’s 800m final, both achieving personal bests. Solomon Josiah of Real Overcomers secured the silver. Saviour Alexander dominated the Junior Men’s 800m, also achieving a personal best. Team MVP’s Elizabeth Olumide claimed gold in the Junior Women’s 800m, followed by Team MTN athletes Patience Joseph and Esther Nwankwo. The High Jump events saw Karo Onisuru and Favour Owivri share the top spot in the Youth Girls’ category, while Clergy Edet and Chukwuemeka Alozie triumphed in the Senior Women’s and Men’s events, respectively. Team MVP continued its dominance in the relay races, sweeping the Cadet and Youth categories in the 4x100m, while Team MTN showed their prowess in the Junior and Senior categories. The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final concluded with a showcase of individual brilliance and team synergy, highlighting the future of Nigerian athletics.
