The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final ignited the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo with a dazzling display of athletic prowess. Day 1 of the four-day competition witnessed a flurry of impressive performances across various track and field events, setting the stage for an exhilarating battle for supremacy amongst the 2,187 participating athletes representing a diverse array of 136 secondary schools and 93 junior and senior teams. The stadium’s electrifying atmosphere pulsated with the energy of the young competitors vying for glory and etching their names into the annals of MTN CHAMPS history.
The men’s 400m race saw a dominant performance by Victor Sampson, the reigning NDDC Sports Festival Champion, who blazed through the track to emerge as the fastest qualifier with a remarkable time of 46.55s. Trailing closely behind were Johnson Nnamani (47.00s) and Micheal Ighogboja (47.54s), securing the second and third qualifying spots respectively. In the women’s 400m, Odot Udo showcased her exceptional speed and endurance, clocking a personal best time of 53.85s, the only sub-54 performance in the category. Rhoda Adisa also achieved a lifetime best of 54.01s, finishing second, while Rita Munachiso secured the third spot with a time of 54.69s.
The junior categories also witnessed exceptional displays of talent. Ezekiel Asuquo, fresh from his MTN CHAMPS gold medal triumph, continued his winning streak by posting the fastest time of 48.00s in the Junior men’s 400m. Chidiebere Obed (49.33s) and Stephen Adejumo (49.57s) clinched the second and third positions respectively. In the Junior women’s 400m, Miracle Sonny emerged as the fastest qualifier with a time of 54.75s, followed by Elizabeth Olumide (54.85s) and Team MTN’s Toheebat Jimoh (55.83s).
The youth categories provided a glimpse into the future of Nigerian athletics. Onyemech Onoriode nearly shattered the Youth Boys’ 100m Championship Record of 11.09s, set by Team MTN’s Alvin Onyeama in Season 1, with a breathtaking finish of 11.10s. Team MVP’s Tunmise Ebimetan (11.34s) and Akolo Emmanuel (11.36s) completed the top three. Team MVP asserted its dominance in the Youth Girls’ 100m, securing the three fastest qualifying times with Enilolobo Rebecca (12.64s), Bernice Onoriode (12.69s), and Promise Egbebe (12.71s) leading the pack.
As Day 1 concluded, the overall standings began to take shape. Delta Secondary School emerged as the frontrunner in the Youth women’s category with 10 points, followed by Charity School (8 points), Ikot Ibiok Girls (6 points), and West Itam (5 points). Akwa Ibom dominated the Junior Mixed category, accumulating 20 points and establishing a comfortable lead over Ikot Ibiok Girls (8 points), St Brains Model College (8 points), and Ikot Okubo Community (6 points). In the fiercely contested Senior Mixed category, Cross River claimed the top spot with 21 points, holding an 11-point advantage over Chosen International. Charity Of the Most Precious Blood secured third place with 6 points, while Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School trailed in fourth with 4 points.
The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final not only showcased the remarkable athletic talent burgeoning within Nigeria but also highlighted the dedication and commitment of these young athletes, their coaches, and the supporting schools. The competition provided a platform for these aspiring athletes to demonstrate their skills on a national stage, fostering healthy competition and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship. With three more days of thrilling competition ahead, the stage was set for an unforgettable showcase of athleticism and determination as the athletes strive to reach the pinnacle of their respective disciplines and etch their names in the MTN CHAMPS Hall of Fame.
