MTN CHAMPS alumni relish exploits at CAA U-18/U-20 Championships

Some graduates of the MTN CHAMPS, an intervention programme aimed at rediscovering Nigeria’s place among the elite athletics countries of the world, have expressed joy at their exploits at the just-concluded Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 African Championships held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, from July 16 to 20. The championships featured participants from about 40 African countries.
Among the standout performers were three athletes who emerged from the MTN CHAMPS initiative, Nigeria’s largest grassroots athletics championship developed by MTN in partnership with Making of Champions (MoC).
The MTN CHAMPS is a nationwide talent discovery and development initiative that has quickly become a major pipeline for the country’s athletics future.
Among the successful athletes were Lucy Nwankwo, Toheebat Jimoh, and Ezekiel Eno Asuquo in the U-20 sprint category, who were selected as MVPs (Most Valuable Players) from season 1 and season 2 of the MTN CHAMPS championship. They were the first set of MVPs admitted to the MoC Academy.
The three athletes were also among 10 CHAMPS athletes, who progressed to the 2024 National Sports Festival where they won medals. Now, they have delivered personal bests and secured more medals on the continental stage.
Speaking on her exploits in Abeokuta, Nwankwo, who won her women’s 100m heat with a time of 11.88 seconds, a new personal best that improved on her previous 11.99, said: “I am excited. I was not expecting it because I had an injury.”
Another outstanding performer at the CAA championship was Ezekiel Eno Asuquo, who shattered his PB with a blistering 45.83s, delivering a silver medal in the men’s U20 400m sprint. What makes his performance even more remarkable is that he wasn’t even meant to run the 400m at the Championships.
“I’m very happy about coming second because I wasn’t even going to run the 400 at first,” Ezekiel said, adding: “The person that was supposed to run did not come, so I was privileged to run. And coming here to win silver, I’m so happy. And in my event, I ran a PB also. I thank God, my coach Deji Aliu, my mentor, Senior Ifeanyi Ojeji, and my sponsor, MTN.”
Jimoh also set a personal best in the women’s U-20 400m, securing a bronze medal, with an astonishing 53.00s. She said, “I am grateful that this day has happened. I have always dreamed of representing Nigeria. This is a time I have been waiting for.”
Jimoh, who only started running the 400m consistently this season, credited her improvement to consistent training and encouragement from her coach.
Her journey has been impressive, having secured two gold medals at the National Sports Festival and now representing the Nigerian team. Weighing both successes, she declared that night as the highlight of her young athletic career. “This is special because I was able to represent Nigeria. This is a time I have been dreaming about for a long time. I am happy I did my personal best in green and white. I am expecting more as I move forward.”