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In 2026, the landscape for MTN’s youth development has shifted significantly. While the original “MTN Football Scholar” program (which historically linked Nigerian players to U.S. colleges) is no longer the club’s primary active athletics project, it has been evolved into the MTN CHAMPS initiative.
MTN CHAMPS is now the premier platform for identifying Nigerian athletic talent, offering full scholarships and international training opportunities. If you are looking for current MTN scholarships, here is the updated 2026 guide.
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MTN CHAMPS 2026: The New Athletics Scholarship Pathway
The MTN CHAMPS program has replaced the old soccer-only model with a broader athletics and sports scholarship framework. It is designed to identify “future champions” and provide them with fully-funded study scholarships and elite training.
Host: MTN Foundation in partnership with “Making of Champions” (MoC).
Target Age: 14 years and above (divided into Cadet, Youth, and Junior categories).
The Reward: Outstanding participants at these national championships receive fully-funded study scholarships and admission into elite athletic academies.
Locations: Championships are held nationwide in cities such as Lagos, Uyo, Ibadan, and Abuja.
MTN Foundation Academic Scholarships (2026 Update)
If your goal is purely academic, the MTN Foundation has increased its support for students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions.
Science & Technology Scholarship (STS): Now awards ₦300,000 annually (increased from ₦200,000) until graduation.
Scholarship for Blind Students (SBS): Provides ₦300,000 annually to qualified 200-level blind students.
Top 10 UTME Scholarship: Automatically awarded to the top 10 JAMB scorers in Nigeria, regardless of their chosen institution.
How to Apply in 2026
1. Applying for MTN CHAMPS (Sports/Athletics)
To participate in the championship and vie for a sports-based scholarship:
Online Registration: Visit the official portal at MTNCHAMPS.com.
School/Team Entry: A recognized official (Principal, Coach, or Games Master) must register you as part of a team.
Video Submission: You are encouraged to post training videos on social media using the official city hashtag (e.g.,
#MTNCHAMPSLagos) to gain scout visibility before the event.
2. Applying for Academic Scholarships (STEM & Blind Students)
Visit the Portal: Go to the MTN Foundation Scholarship Portal.
Verify Eligibility: Ensure you are a 300-level student (for STEM) or 200-level (for Blind Students) with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (or 2.5 for blind students).
Application Form: Fill out the digital form during the annual application window (usually between June and August).
Current Requirements & Audition Venues
While the old “SMS to 4000” method is largely inactive, the audition/competition venues for 2026 include:
Lagos: National Stadium, Surulere.
Uyo: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Grand Finale venue).
Ibadan: Lekan Salami Stadium.
Abuja: Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Necessary Documents for Shortlisted Candidates:
Identification: NIN slip, International Passport, or Birth Certificate.
Academic Proof: WASSCE/SSCE results (minimum of 5 credits including English and Maths).
Passport Photographs: Two recent colored copies.
Key Takeaway for 2026
The ₦50 SMS registration has been replaced by a more formal, high-stakes national competition model (MTN CHAMPS). To get an international exposure scholarship today, you must compete at the regional level and be identified by the Making of Champions scouts.
Would you like me to help you draft a “Sports CV” or an application letter to help you stand out for the 2026 MTN CHAMPS registration?
