The 2026 MTN Championship kicks off in Jos with 148 schools, 1,300 athletes, and prizes up to ₦2m, promoting youth sports and development

The fourth edition of the MTN Championship begins today in Plateau State, featuring 148 schools and teams competing at the New Jos Township Stadium.

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The event, aimed at promoting youth development and grassroots sports, will see about 1,300 athletes participate in 94 events across four age categories.

Prizes include ₦2 million for first place, ₦1.5 million for second, ₦1 million for third, and ₦500,000 for fourth.

Speaking at a press briefing, MTN’s Ibe Etea said the championship has grown significantly since 2022, with over 20,000 athletes and 1,500 schools participating nationwide.

He highlighted that 30 outstanding athletes have progressed to the MTN Champs Athletics Academy.

Yemi Galadima, Managing Editor of Making of Champions, noted that MTN Champs provides a platform for students to compete across multiple age categories, a rare feature in Nigerian athletics.

Plateau State officials, including Commissioners for Sports and Education, Musa Ashoms and Kachollom Gang, pledged full government support, emphasizing the event’s role in nurturing champions and promoting academic excellence alongside sports.

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The competition in Jos runs until March 28, 2026, before moving to Ibadan for the grand finale.