Team Cross River Delivers Outstanding Performance at MTN Champs Calabar 2026, Clinches 32 Medals

Team Cross River produced a remarkable and inspiring performance at the just-concluded MTN Champs Calabar 2026, finishing with an impressive total of 32 medals—comprising 13 Gold 🥇, 10 Silver 🥈, and 9 Bronze 🥉. The team’s display of excellence, resilience, and competitive spirit firmly established them as one of the standout contingents at the championship.

Golden Moments – 13 Gold Medals

Cross River athletes dominated multiple events across junior, senior, and cadet categories:
• Anastasia claimed 2 Gold medals in Shot Put and Discus (Senior)
• Angela Udom secured Gold in Discus (Junior)
• Franklin won Gold in Long Jump (Junior)
• Saviour Alexander triumphed in the 800m (Junior)
• Faith Ani clinched Gold in 1500m (Junior)
• Miracle Ahanna delivered a stellar double, winning Gold in 800m and 1500m (Senior)
• Ezekiel Nyong topped the podium in Shot Put (Senior)
• Mathias Iwara sprinted to Gold in 100m (Senior)
• Ella Nelson shone brightly with 2 Gold medals in Long Jump and 100m (Cadet)
• The Junior 4x100m Relay Team—Idara Anthony, Glory Bassey, Angel Nelson, and Uwana Anthony—secured a brilliant Gold medal finish

Silver Success – 10 Medals

Team Cross River maintained strong podium consistency with notable silver medal performances:
• Bright Okon – Shot Put (Senior)
• Abigail Okon – Javelin (Junior)
• Alice Udofia – High Jump (Junior)
• Favour Ani – 1500m (Junior)
• James Okim – 1500m (Junior)
• Uwana Anthony – 400m (Junior)
• Antigha Etim – High Jump (Junior)
• Angel Nelson – Long Jump (Junior)
• Ezekiel Nyong – Javelin (Senior)
• John Evogor – 110m Hurdles

Bronze Finishes – 9 Medals

The team also recorded strong third-place finishes across events:
• Wisdom Alexander – 400m (Senior)
• Ella Nelson – 200m (Cadet)
• Evasam – High Jump (Junior)
• Israel Okon – 200m (Junior)
• Idara Anthony – Long Jump (Junior)
• Elijah Etim – Javelin (Senior)
• Angel Udom – Javelin (Junior)
• Jennifer Odey – 2 Bronze medals in Shot Put and Discus

Coaching Excellence and Team Leadership

This outstanding performance was made possible through the dedication and technical expertise of the coaching crew, led by:
• Coach Emmanuel Ogar
• Coach Ifiok Sunday Japheth
• Coach Stanley Ugbalo
• Coach Mfreke Sunday Japheth
• Coach Alice
• Nelson Eteng

A Statement of Sporting Excellence

Team Cross River’s performance at MTN Champs Calabar 2026 is a testament to the state’s growing dominance in athletics and its commitment to grassroots sports development. The athletes’ achievements reflect disciplined training, effective coaching, and a strong support system that continues to nurture emerging talents.

With this impressive medal haul and standout individual performances, Team Cross River has not only raised the bar but also reinforced its position as a powerhouse in Nigerian athletics, setting the stage for even greater success in future national and international competitions.