MTN CHAMPS Continental Relay Concludes with Thrilling Performances
The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relay has wrapped up in Jos, Plateau State, following an exhilarating three-day event at the New Jos Stadium. The final day was marked by intense competition, culminating in the 200m and relay finals that captivated spectators.
Fresh from her remarkable performance in the 100m, where she clocked an impressive 11.26 seconds, Miracle Ezechukwu of N Youth Sports returned to the track with ambitions of securing a double sprint victory in the Junior Women’s 200m. Rising to the occasion, she successfully defended her title with an outstanding personal best of 22.91 seconds.
Not only did her performance earn her a double title, but it also established her as the fastest African woman over 200 meters outdoors in 2026. In a significant achievement, Ezechukwu became the first Nigerian woman to break the 23-second barrier within her home country since 2021.
Teammate Rosemary Nwankwo also delivered a commendable performance, securing second place in the 100 meters with a lifetime best of 23.17 seconds. Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo finished strong, claiming third place with a career-best time of 23.76 seconds, breaking the 24-second mark for the first time in her athletic journey.
Meanwhile, in the Junior Men’s 200m, Team MTN’s Michael Aniche showcased his prowess, finishing with a personal record of 21.84 seconds to clinch first place. He led teammate Emmanuel Akolo, while Mahamat Sani secured third at 22.19 seconds.
Continuing her remarkable form, Toheebat Jimoh won the women’s 200m with a personal best of 24.35 seconds, marking her second title and third medal of the tournament. She narrowly edged out teammate Miracle Uwem Donald, who clocked in at 24.36 seconds, while Esther Okon finished third in 24.63 seconds.
One of the day’s most surprising moments came from Enoch Dabo, who triumphed in the men’s 200m final with a time of 21.69 seconds, overtaking Team MTN’s Ezekiel Ascuo, who finished at 21.78 seconds, and Showers Ucy at 21.82 seconds.
Impressive Victories in Various Categories
Bernice Onoriode rebounded from her earlier loss in the 100m final to claim the youth women’s 200m title in 24.79 seconds, finishing ahead of Team BPS’s Rebecca Enirolobo at 24.91 seconds and Team MTN’s Chizoba Onyemawwa at 26.47 seconds. Onoriode also excelled in the youth girls’ long jump, completing an impressive meet.
Team MTN’s Ferbent Edet managed a remarkable double, winning the youth boys’ 200m title with a personal best of 22.32 seconds, while holding off strong competition from Joshua Okon and Jikillah Ibrahim.
In the Cadet category, Praise Babatunde clinched the boys’ title in 26.03 seconds, outperforming Kispan Bitrus at 26.92 seconds and Hamisu Muhammad at 27.27 seconds. Esther Adebayo secured the girls’ title in 28.36 seconds, finishing ahead of Salama Hata’s 28.76 seconds and Chinaza Okoye’s 28.83 seconds.
Relay Events Provide Excitement in Finale
The relay events added to the excitement on the final day. GSS Sabon Tasha won the Cadet girls’ 4x100m title in 57.81 seconds, surpassing Model Learning Zaria’s 58.35 seconds and St. John’s 58.88 seconds.
In the youth girls’ division, the Savon Tasha Government team won the event in 52.15 seconds, ahead of Foundation Science at 54.68 seconds and Naraguta Grammar at 55.95 seconds.
In the youth boys’ 4×100 meters, GSS Savon Tasha achieved a remarkable relay double, winning in 46.34 seconds, while Foundation Science finished at 46.96 seconds and Vision High claimed 48.60 seconds.
Team MTN dominated the podium in the junior mixed 4x100m relay, closing the competition on an exciting note. Team MTN A finished first with a time of 44.64 seconds, followed by Team MTN B at 46.17 seconds and Team MTN C at 47.12 seconds.
