Sports
NUGA 28th Edition: UNICAL to host 50,000 athletes from 50 universities
By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar
NO fewer than 50,000 athletes drawn from 50 universities across Nigeria will converge on the University of Calabar (UNICAL) for the 28th edition of the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games, scheduled to hold from November 14 to 24, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Offiong, announced this Thursday during a press conference in Calabar, describing the event as a landmark moment not only for the institution but for the advancement of university sports and education in Nigeria.
His words: “Today, I am thrilled to unveil a significant milestone in our journey as we announce the tentative hosting dates for the 28th Edition of the NUGA Games.
“This event is more than just a series of competitions; it is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our commitment to academic and athletic excellence and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our youth,” Professor Offiong said.
According to him, a total of 28 sporting disciplines will be contested across the 10-day festival, making it one of the largest gatherings of student-athletes in the country’s academic calendar.
Speaking further, he said that analysts and education stakeholders have noted that the NUGA Games serve a dual national purpose.
“Firstly, by identifying raw sporting talent at the grassroots university level while reinforcing the inseparable link between intellectual development and physical excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“Beyond its educational value, the games are expected to deliver a significant economic boost to UNICAL and the Cross River State economy.
” With thousands of athletes, officials, coaches, and spectators expected to arrive from across the country, the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors stand to benefit enormously from the influx.
“We will be ready to welcome the world in November 2026 for a celebration of talent, determination, and unity,” Prof. Offiong said
The Vice Chancellor also revealed that hosting the games would catalyze the construction of modern, durable sports facilities on the UNICAL campus infrastructure that would outlast the competition and serve students and the wider Calabar community for decades.
“Our goal is to create state-of-the-art sports complexes that will continue to benefit our students and the community long after the final medal is awarded,” he stated.
The Cross River State Government has been acknowledged as a key partner in preparations, with corporate sponsors, alumni, and media organisations also being courted to ensure the games’ success.
Prof. Offiong urged the NUGA Council to extend continued cooperation to the host institution, assuring stakeholders that UNICAL was committed to delivering an event that upholds the highest standards of sportsmanship, integrity, and decorum.
He added that preparations were already at an advanced stage.
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