The inaugural edition of Making of Champion’s, MTN Champs Athletics Competition took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, spanning from Thursday, October 12, 2023, to Saturday, October 14, 2023.

Led by Coach Omotoye Ayodeji, A total of 12 talented athletes from Ahoada East took part in the competition, and every one of them brought home at least one medal.

Following an under-15 contingent from Ahoada East’s participation in the National Youth Games, Benjamin Eke, the Chairman of Ahoada East, pledged to finance their participation in the MTN Champs event in Benin and he delivered on his promise by providing the athletes with transportation, accommodation, and feeding for the entire five-day period in Benin.

Benjamin Eke also sent his Special Assistant on Sports Development, Chief Richard Ihua-Maduenyi, to accompany and motivate the team. This gesture proved instrumental in boosting their performance, resulting in an impressive haul of 11 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 9 bronze medals. Additionally, they clinched the coveted Best Male Cadet School Champions Trophy.

Here is the list of Ahoada East medalists and the medals they won:

Medalists:

Male Under-14:

1. Musa Goodnews – 1 gold medal (High Jump)
2. Lucky Wisdom – 4 medals (1 gold in Triple Jump, 2 silver in 400m and 4x100m, 1 bronze in Long Jump)
3. Benjamin Progress – 1 bronze medal (Triple Jump)
4. Aniche Michael – 4 medals (2 gold in Long Jump and 400m, 1 silver in 4x100m, 1 bronze in 4x400m mixed)

Female Under-14:

5. Ugwushita PraiseGod – 5 medals (2 gold in 400m and 4x100m Youth, 2 silver in 200m and 4x100m Cadet, 1 bronze in 4x400m mixed)
6. Ukpeni Juliet – 5 medals (1 gold in 4x100m Youth, 1 silver in 4x100m Cadet, 3 bronze in 100m, 400m, and High Jump)
7. Maduenyi Princess – 2 medals (1 gold in Triple Jump, 1 silver in 4x100m)
8. Sampson Christabel – 1 silver medal (4x100m)

Male Under-17:

9. Dike Honest – 4 medals (1 gold in 400m, 2 silver in 800m and 4x100m, 1 bronze in 4x400m mixed)
10. Bright Godson – 1 silver medal (4x100m)

Female Under-17:

11. Utotuhu Lucky – 2 medals (1 gold in 4x100m, 1 silver in Discus Throw)
12. Aniche Christabel – 2 medals (1 gold in 4x100m, 1 bronze in 4x400m mixed)

In total, they amassed a remarkable tally of 32 medals: 11 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze.

Having won the 400m at the National Youth Games, Aniche Michael also bagged four medals at the MTN CHAMPS and was honoured with the title of Most Valuable Male Cadet. Aniche Michael is aiming for greater achievements in his Athletics career.

In an interview with MTNCHAMPS correspondents, he expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of Ahoada East, Hon. Barr. Benjamin Eke, for ensuring his participation in the event. He also commended the Council Boss for organizing the Ahoada East Schools Sports Festival, which has served as a platform for his development and discovery. Aniche Michael’s MVP award grants him the honour of leading the Benin Contingents in a forthcoming competition against the Ibadan and Uyo zones in Abuja later this year.

Prior to the start of the competition, Oluseye Odundi, MTN’s senior manager, of sales and trade distribution stated that the competition will bring out future champions who will participate in the Olympics, World Championships and other events across the world. Adding that the top 10 athletes from this programme will join the MTN Academy where they will be trained and educated, and also be presented with the opportunity of scholarships both from Jamaica and the US. It’s a privilege partnering with you on this programme.

The competition was thrilling and very rewarding for the Athletes, Coaching staff and River State at large and would certainly be a stepping stone to larger platforms.