By Akanimo Kufre
For Ezekiel Asuquo, the pivotal moment in his athletic career occurred in 2023 when his coach informed him about the inaugural MTN CHAMPS competition, set to take place on home soil in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. What initially seemed like another routine meet would ultimately serve as the catalyst for a remarkable rise to fame.
Following the opening leg of MTN CHAMPS in Benin, the circuit moved to Uyo, attracting athletes from schools and clubs nationwide. As the 400m heats commenced, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. A relatively unknown runner burst onto the scene with a stunning 49.60s, a personal best that was also the fastest time recorded across all categories. He followed this impressive performance with a commanding 50.26s victory in the final, announcing his arrival on the athletic scene.
Born in Idu-Uruan, Akwa Ibom State, Asuquo is the eldest of three siblings and the only boy. His athletic journey began humbly when he represented his school at the Maltina School Games, where a coach recognized his raw talent and took him under his wing, even providing accommodation and meals. Training was often grueling, with days where he survived on minimal sustenance, yet he persevered. His outstanding performance at MTN CHAMPS Uyo (Season 1) earned him an MVP invitation to the Grand Final in Abuja.
Determined to break the 49-second barrier after falling short in Uyo, Asuquo returned stronger, storming to a new personal best of 48.70s to claim silver in the Junior Boys’ 400m. He also contributed to Team MVP’s gold in the mixed 4x400m and silver in the 4x100m relay. That performance secured him a Golden Ticket to join Team MTN at the Making of Champions (MoC) Athletics Academy in Lagos under Olympic bronze medalist Deji Aliu.
Within nine months, his transformation was evident. At MTN CHAMPS Season 3 in Benin, he opened with a massive personal best of 47.46s. At the MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays in Lagos, he claimed silver in the 200m before capturing 400m gold in another personal best of 47.26s.
Returning to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for the Season 3 Grand Final, Asuquo completed a memorable 200m/400m double, winning gold in 21.39s and 47.49s respectively, a full-circle moment from where it all began. His domestic dominance earned him selection for Team Akwa Ibom at the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, where he ran 47.17s in the heats and helped secure silver in the 4x400m relay.
At the National U20 Trials in Sagamu, he delivered another breakthrough, clocking 46.42s to finish third and qualify for the African U18/U20 Championships in Abeokuta. Speaking with Making of Champions afterwards, a delighted Asuquo expressed his satisfaction, saying,
