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MTN Championship 2026 Kicks Off in Jos with 148 Schools Competing

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The 2026 MTN Championship kicks off in Jos with 148 schools, 1,300 athletes, and prizes up to ₦2m, promoting youth sports and development

The fourth edition of the MTN Championship begins today in Plateau State, featuring 148 schools and teams competing at the New Jos Township Stadium.

Also read: Nigerian Ayobami Omoniyi Sentenced in US Wire Fraud Case

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The event, aimed at promoting youth development and grassroots sports, will see about 1,300 athletes participate in 94 events across four age categories.

Prizes include ₦2 million for first place, ₦1.5 million for second, ₦1 million for third, and ₦500,000 for fourth.

Speaking at a press briefing, MTN’s Ibe Etea said the championship has grown significantly since 2022, with over 20,000 athletes and 1,500 schools participating nationwide.

He highlighted that 30 outstanding athletes have progressed to the MTN Champs Athletics Academy.

Yemi Galadima, Managing Editor of Making of Champions, noted that MTN Champs provides a platform for students to compete across multiple age categories, a rare feature in Nigerian athletics.

Plateau State officials, including Commissioners for Sports and Education, Musa Ashoms and Kachollom Gang, pledged full government support, emphasizing the event’s role in nurturing champions and promoting academic excellence alongside sports.

Also read: Nigerian Ayobami Omoniyi Sentenced in US Wire Fraud Case

The competition in Jos runs until March 28, 2026, before moving to Ibadan for the grand finale.

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Arteta Praises Moyes, Warns Arsenal of Everton Threat

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Arteta praises Moyes ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton, warning that David Moyes’ organised side poses a serious threat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Everton boss David Moyes as a respected figure in English football while warning that his team must prepare for a difficult Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Also read: Arokodare Eyes Permanent Ajax Move After Strong Start

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Speaking ahead of the match on October 24, 2026, Arteta highlighted Moyes’ longevity, contribution to English football and qualities as both a coach and a person.

Asked whether Moyes could be considered the king of the Premier League, Arteta expressed admiration for his Everton counterpart.

“100%; I don’t know if it’s the king or what it is, but he’s certainly someone that I think we all look up to,” he said.

Arteta praised Moyes not only for his long career but also for what he represents within the game.

“Not only for his longevity, but I think what he represents for the game, what he represents for the Premier League, and his trajectory,” he said.

The Arsenal manager added that his personal relationship with Moyes had strengthened his respect for him.

“For me especially, because I know the man behind the coach, which is the most important thing, and then I really know as well the coach, and he’s a superb coach,” Arteta said.

Arteta spent six years at Everton as a player, giving him first-hand knowledge of the club and its expectations.

Despite Arsenal’s home advantage, Arteta cautioned against underestimating Everton, pointing to their tactical organisation and individual talent under Moyes.

“There are a lot, because I know David so well and how he sets the team, the quality they have in their organisation and individually,” he said.

Arteta also noted that Everton had avoided defeat before their most recent match, describing them as a well-balanced side capable of making life difficult for Arsenal.

“It’s no coincidence they didn’t lose before their last game.

They have a really good team, which we know because in recent clashes, it’s always been a really difficult game for us,” he added.

The warning underlines Arsenal’s need for concentration against an Everton side Arteta expects to provide a stern test.

Arteta also discussed the tactical approaches Arsenal could face, acknowledging that opposing teams would decide how best to challenge his side.

He said managers prepare their teams according to what they believe gives them the best chance of winning, meaning Arsenal must be ready for different styles of play.

“Every team is going to prepare in the best way with how they think they can beat us, like we do with the opponent,” Arteta said.

He explained that an early opportunity or goal could dramatically alter the course of a match, influencing how both teams approach the remaining minutes.

“You could have an open chance in the first 10 minutes that changes the game and then the next 80 minutes are different because of the context of the game, results have a huge impact on how teams behave,” he said.

Arteta stressed that Arsenal must be capable of finding solutions regardless of how the contest develops.

“We need to be able to win and enjoy as much as possible in every context,” he added.

The Spaniard also responded to discussions about Arsenal’s style of play, saying the team must focus on its own performance while respecting the opposition.

Arteta acknowledged that football naturally generates strong reactions and that assessments of a team can change depending on what happens during a match.

“I think you have to respect every opponent – it would be good to be a bit consistent, but it’s understandable,” he said.

He added that Arsenal’s responsibility was to deliver performances that keep supporters engaged, even when opponents adopt defensive or cautious tactics.

“But that’s normal, that’s the expectation, and our job is to create constant excitement. The opponent has a lot to do with how they want to play, it’s inevitable, but it’s on us,” Arteta said.

Arsenal’s meeting with Everton comes as the Gunners continue to balance their domestic campaign with European commitments.

Also read: Arokodare Eyes Permanent Ajax Move After Strong Start

Arteta’s comments make clear that he expects his players to adapt to the tactical demands of the contest and deliver a performance capable of securing a positive result.

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Arokodare Eyes Permanent Ajax Move After Strong Start

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Tolu Arokodare has expressed interest in a permanent Ajax move after an impressive loan spell, scoring and assisting in the win over Atalanta (more…)

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Courtois Warns Barcelona Ahead of El Clásico Showdown

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Thibaut Courtois says El Clásico is always 50-50 as Real Madrid prepare to face Barcelona in Sunday’s La Liga clash at Camp Nou

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