Being a champion is more than just winning medals. For athletes at the MTN Champs, it’s a journey filled with determination, passion, and a chance to show the world what they’re made of.
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The second day of the MTN Champs Lagos Continental Relays brought us not only fierce competition but moments of triumph that highlighted the heart and spirit of Nigeria’s next generation of athletes.
At the Yabatech Sports Complex, the excitement was palpable. The athletes weren’t just racing against each other, they were racing to prove something bigger: their hard work, their dedication, and their place in Nigeria’s athletic future. Medals were being handed out, but it was the stories behind the performances that truly stood out.
Lucy Nwankwo, for example, claimed gold in the women’s 100m junior final with a personal best of 11.99 seconds. Her victory wasn’t just about the speed in her legs but about the perseverance and dedication that had brought her to this moment.
In an event where every second counts, Nwankwo’s joy was obvious as she stood on the podium, a shining example of what happens when determination meets talent.
The silver medal in the same race went to Mercy Ogbonna, who posted a PB of 12.16 seconds. And Azeezat Muhammed-Raji rounded out the podium with a bronze, clocking in at 12.18 seconds.
It was Iyanuoluwa Bada’s performance in the women’s 100m senior final that truly captured the spirit of the day. Bada clocked a new personal best of 11.30 seconds, marking her third PB of the event.
As she stood on the top of the podium, her words reflected a deep sense of accomplishment. “I’m happy to be here,” she said. “Because there’s a competition for us to showcase ourselves, outside of constant training.”
Bada’s coach, Afolabi Olatunji, shared his pride in her growth, pointing out that this victory opened up new possibilities for her. “I want her to meet the world standard,” he said.
“I’m aiming for her to hit at least 11.02 or 11.03 so she can qualify for the world championships. MTN Champs has opened a new world of possibilities for her and allowed her to know what she’s capable of.”
The men’s senior 100m final saw a star-studded performance from none other than Olympic sprinter, Favor “The Nigerian Nightmare” Ashe, who stormed to victory with a personal best of 10.28 seconds. Ashe wasn’t just racing for a medal; he was racing for legacy.
His performance was a testament to consistency, to showing up every time and giving it everything. After the race, Ashe shared a heartfelt moment with his family and coaches.
“I thank my mum and my dad and my coaches,” he said. “Being a champion means consistency, showing up and competing to win every time. After this competition, I’m going back to rest. Then after this, I’m going back home to get myself right and then come back for the grand finale in Uyo.”
In the field events, there were also incredible performances. Victoria Ejembi of Arena Academy earned silver in the women’s long jump, but she wasn’t satisfied just yet.
“I haven’t even done my best here,” she said. “There’s still more to come for me.”
Her determination was clear, and the hunger to improve drove her words. She encouraged the next generation of athletes to take every opportunity, sharing, “MTN Champs has opened opportunities for young athletes coming up, and I encourage any rising athletes to register. It is a great opportunity for athletes to showcase themselves.”
At the high jump, Isaac Atidade, a first-time competitor, took home gold with a performance that turned heads. “I feel grateful,” Atidade said after the win.
“It’s very easy to become a champion, but it is harder to maintain it. This win is only going to motivate me to work even harder.” His humility and determination showed that the journey to success is about more than just the medals.
MTN Champs is more than just a competition. It’s a movement, a chance for athletes to prove themselves and a platform for them to dream big. As the event continues across the YabaTech and UNILAG sports complexes, these athletes aren’t just chasing medals, they’re chasing greatness.
