MTN CHAMPS Season 4 begins with focus on 2028 Olympics
Sports • 2d ago
**Title:** MTN CHAMPS Season 4: Preparing Nigeria's Next Olympic Heroes
**Introduction:**
Nigeria's quest for Olympic glory continues to gain momentum as MTN Nigeria launches Season 4 of the highly successful MTN CHAMPS programme. This initiative, aimed at developing young athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, comes at a time when the country is seeking to bounce back from a disappointing performance at the last Olympic Games in Paris. With a renewed focus on structured athlete development, MTN CHAMPS is poised to bridge the gap in preparation and long-term planning, and potentially produce Nigeria's next Olympic champions.
**New Season, New Hope:**
The Making of Champions (MoC) Athletics Academy, which is the backbone of the MTN CHAMPS programme, has unveiled its largest intake of 30 athletes, including 10 new recruits discovered during Season 3. This group, comprising talented young athletes, will join the 20 others already on the academy's roster. The induction brings a fresh wave of excitement and optimism, as the athletes prepare to embark on a three-year journey towards the 2028 Olympic Games.
**Partnership for Excellence:**
MTN's commitment to the MoC has been extended for three more years, securing Seasons 4, 5, and 6 through the 2028 Olympic cycle. This partnership provides continuity for athletes across various categories, as they prepare for international competitions, including the World U20 Championships and continental meets. The agreement is a testament to MTN's dedication to developing Nigeria's sporting talent and aligning with national sports objectives.
**Regional Qualifiers and Grand Finale:**
The MTN CHAMPS Athletics Classics will kick off in Calabar from 5-7 March, followed by the Continental Relays in Jos from 26-28 March, and the Grand Finale in Ibadan from 15-18 April. These events are not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also an opportunity for Nigeria to prepare for the 2026 World Relays. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has welcomed the MTN CHAMPS initiative, pledging to provide technical backing to the programme.
**Conclusion:**
MTN CHAMPS Season 4 is a significant milestone in Nigeria's sporting journey. With a robust development plan, a renewed focus on structured athlete development, and a three-year partnership with the MoC, the programme is poised to produce Nigeria