The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final got underway in spectacular fashion at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, with over 2,000 athletes competing across various categories. The four-day competition, running from May 6 to 9, features 136 secondary schools and 93 junior and senior teams vying for honors.
Stellar Performances
Reigning NDDC Sports Festival Champion, Victor Sampson, emerged as the fastest qualifier in the men’s 400m, clocking an impressive 46.55s. Johnson Nnamani (47.00s) and Micheal Ighogboja (47.54s) followed in second and third positions, respectively. In the women’s 400m, Odot Udo dominated with the only sub-54 performance, setting a Personal Best time of 53.85s. Rhoda Adisa also recorded a lifetime best of 54.01s to finish second, while Rita Munachiso came third with 54.69s.
Junior Events
Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo, fresh from his gold-medal winning feat at MTN CHAMPS, breezed through the Junior men’s 400m, posting the fastest time of 48.00s. Chidiebere Obed (49.33s) and Stephen Adejumo (49.57s) completed the top three positions. Miracle Sonny emerged as the quickest qualifier in the Junior women’s 400m with a time of 54.75s. Elizabeth Olumide (54.85s) and Team MTN’s Toheebat Jimoh (55.83s) were the next best performers.
Record-Breaking Attempts
Onyemech Onoriode narrowly missed breaking the Youth Boys’ 100m Championships Record of 11.09s, set by Team MTN’s Alvin Onyeama in Season 1, finishing with 11.10s. Team MVP’s duo of Tunmise Ebimetan (11.34s) and Akolo Emmanuel (11.36s) followed closely. Team MVP dominated the Youth Girls’ 100m, claiming the three overall fastest times through Enilolobo Rebecca (12.64s), Bernice Onoriode (12.69s), and Promise Egbebe (12.71s).
Standings
At the end of Day 1, Delta Secondary School topped 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 led the Junior Mixed category standings with 20 points, ahead of Ikot Ibiok Girls (8 points), St Brains Model College (8 points), and Ikot Okubo Community (6 points). Cross River secured the pole position in the senior mixed category with 21 points, establishing an 11-point lead over Chosen International.
The competition promises to be an exciting affair, with athletes giving their all to emerge victorious. The MTN CHAMPS Grand Final is a testament to the talent and dedication of young athletes in Nigeria, and it will be fascinating to see who emerges as the ultimate champion.