Team MTN and Team Continental Finish Big at the MTN Champs Lagos Continental Relays
Posted By Town Crier News Nigeria
Published By Fitness Network Communications
The Lagos leg of the MTN Champs Season 3 Continental Relays concluded on Saturday, April 12, after four days of intense track and field competitions held across the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) sports complexes, producing standout athletes and teams.
Emerging from a fierce competition, Team Continental and Team MTN stole the spotlight, winning the Senior Team Trophy and Junior Team Trophy respectively.
For Team Continental, their dominance was especially evident on Day 3 when they clinched a historic win in the 4x100m mixed relay, the first time the event was ever contested on Nigerian soil. Led by a star-studded lineup including Favour Ashe, Iyanu Bada, Janet Adesiyan and Chidera Ezeakor, the team’s speed and coordination electrified the stadium and sealed their name in history, while Samson Nathaniel, Patience Okon-George and Miracle Uwem Donald to win GOLD for Team Continental in the mixed 4x400m.
In the men’s 100m, Showers Ushie entered the sub-11 club, winning his heat in 10.79s before posting 10.89s in the semifinals. In the Senior category, Benjamin Magaji matched his PB of 48.04s to win his 400m heat and claim Silver in the final. Miracle Uwem Donald set a new PB of 54.59s in the 400m, also earning Silver after winning her heat, adding another Silver medal in the 200m as well.
Team Continental won the Senior Team Trophy with 128 points, holding off strong competition from Eagle Sight Athletics Club who finished second with 93 points, while Agroterra rounded out the top three with 68 points. Continental’s victory came down to the wire, as they faced tremendous pressure from Eagle Sight, pulling ahead in the final moments thanks to clutch performances in the last two relays of the event.
Meanwhile, Team MTN, composed of standout athletes discovered during Seasons 1 and 2 of MTN Champs and now training under the MoC (Making of Champions) Academy in Lagos, celebrated their first-ever trophy win.
In less than one year since forming, the team has shown promise, dominating their category and clinching the Junior Team Trophy with 125 points. Their win is a testament to the dedication and growth of the athletes, many of whom may have never stepped onto a competitive track before joining MTN Champs. Athletes like Lucy Nwankwo, who clocked a lifetime best of 11.99s in Junior Women’s 100m, followed by Mercy Ogbonna (12.16s) and Azeezat Muhammed-Raji (12.18s), all setting new PBs in the final.
Team MTN left their mark on the sprint events, fielding at least two finalists in every sprint category except the Men’s 100m. Their victories included Junior Women’s 100m and 400m, Junior Men’s 400m, Youth Girls’ 400m and Junior Men’s and Women’s 4x100m relays.
In her final remarks at the closing ceremony, Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer Relations Officer, MTN Nigeria, reflected on the journey. “MTN Champs is a platform that identifies, nurtures and builds future Olympians that will represent Nigeria on the world stage. We set out to give young athletes the kind of visibility, opportunity and support that can change the trajectory of their lives.”
Commending the athletes on their hard work and unwavering dedication, she acknowledged the greater meaning beyond the broken records. “Beyond medals and victories, we have also built something bigger – a moment that says to every young person watching ‘you are seen, and your future is full of possibilities’.”
The Continental Relays in Lagos not only showcased elite performances but also underscored MTN Champs’ mission to identify, nurture, and elevate Nigeria’s next generation of athletic stars. From the grit of the seniors to the rising fire of the juniors, the event delivered a powerful message: the future of Nigerian athletics is in strong, determined hands.
MTN Champs continues in Uyo with the grand finale at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium from May 6 to May 9.
