By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The MTN CHAMPS Season 4 concluded its opening leg in Calabar, Cross River State, with schools set to receive substantial cash rewards for podium finishes and special incentives for strong student attendance.

The competition, held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium from Thursday till weekend crowned champions in multiple events. MTN Nigeria confirmed that prizes would support school sports programmes and encourage wider participation.

Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, revealed that podium prizes are N2,000,000 for first place, N1,500,000 for second, N1,000,000 for third, and N500,000 for fourth.

Schools with high attendance will also benefit, with N5,000,000 for first, N3,000,000 for second, N2,000,000 for third, N1,500,000 for fourth, and N1,000,000 for fifth. Consolation prizes of N500,000 each go to schools finishing sixth to 10th in attendance.

“MTN is delighted to bring CHAMPS back to Calabar, a city where talent truly thrives,” Ikenna-Emeka said.

She added that over 22,000 athletes from more than 1,000 schools have participated in the previous three seasons, producing 14 national medalists and athletes who have excelled internationally.

Yemi Galadima, Managing Director of Making of Champions, highlighted the Calabar leg’s role as a qualifying pathway for Team Nigeria to the World Relays.

He thanked MTN for committing to the next three years of the programme, which continues to nurture talent and strengthen Nigeria’s grassroots sports ecosystem.

Season 4 demonstrates the power of combining competition with support, fostering school spirit, developing young athletes, and providing tangible benefits to communities across Cross River state