The Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) has commended MTN Nigeria and Making of Champions (MoC) for their sustained investment in grassroots athletics as Season 4 of MTN CHAMPS officially gets underway.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the new season, NSSF President Olabisi Joseph described the initiative as a transformative platform that has reshaped athletics in Nigerian schools and inspired a new generation of young athletes.

Joseph praised MTN Nigeria for what she termed unwavering dedication to youth and school sports development, noting that the company’s consistent backing of MTN CHAMPS reflects a broader commitment to nation-building beyond corporate profitability.

“MTN is not just sponsoring a competition; it is nurturing dreams, shaping lives, and building the next generation of world-class athletes for Nigeria,” she said.

The federation also acknowledged the critical role played by Making of Champions as technical partner, particularly in talent identification and structured development within the Cadet (U-14) and Youth (U-17) categories. Through the collaboration, young athletes gain early exposure to professional training standards and global best practices.

The impact of the programme, according to the NSSF, is already evident. Athletes discovered through MTN CHAMPS recently represented Nigeria at the First Africa School Games in Algeria, securing medals and underscoring the value of sustained grassroots investment.

Reaffirming the federation’s stance, Joseph emphasized that school sports remain the most reliable and sustainable pathway for athletics development in Nigeria. Beyond competitive success, she highlighted the broader benefits of sports participation, including discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence among young people.

She called on coaches, teachers, parents, and state coordinators nationwide to intensify mobilisation efforts to boost student participation. Joseph also urged other corporate organisations to follow MTN’s example by strategically investing in school sports as a meaningful contribution to national development.