The Nigerian University Games Association NUGA has officially announced that the University of Calabar will host the 28th Nigeria University Games from November 14 through 24, 2026.

The 2026 Games will bring together an anticipated 95 universities and about 10,000 athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers and spectators for competition in 24 sports. This biennial multi sport event is the flagship university sports festival in Nigeria, and the selection of UNICAL underscores NUGAs confidence in the University of Calabars capabilities and preparations.

UNICAL Vice Chancellor Prof. Offiong Effiong emphasized the Universitys commitment to sports development. He announced that starting this semester, UNICAL will suspend all lectures after 2 p.m. on Wednesdays to allow student athletes dedicate time for training and competition preparation. No lecturer is expected to fix lectures during this period, Prof. Effiong explained. We want to prepare our students adequately and discover talents that will not only excel at the NUGA Games but also represent the university and the nation in future sporting competitions.

He further pledged that hosting the Games will spur lasting infrastructure improvements. Prof. Effiong noted that UNICAL plans to build new, state of the art sports complexes and upgrade existing facilities on campus. These improvements are intended to benefit UNICAL students and the Calabar community long after November 2026, leaving a durable legacy of enhanced sports amenities.

NUGA President Prof. Bawa Mohammed praised UNICALs role as host, saying, We are excited to partner with the University of Calabar to stage an inclusive and exciting national games. University sports are a vital part of Nigerias athletic development, and with 95 universities and some 10,000 participants expected, the 2026 Games will be a showcase of talent and unity. We look forward to working closely with UNICAL to deliver a safe, well organized event that inspires young athletes and promotes sporting excellence nationwide.

NUGA and UNICAL also highlighted the Games expected broader impact. With tens of thousands of visitors, including teams, officials and fans, arriving in Calabar over 11 days, the event is poised to stimulate the local economy through tourism, hospitality and related services. Local businesses and communities stand to benefit from increased demand for transportation, lodging, food and entertainment. Moreover, the Games will strengthen ties among Nigerias university communities and celebrate the spirit of fair play, respect and sportsmanship.

To ensure the success of the national event, NUGA called on all stakeholders to collaborate. even as the Cross River State Government and other partners have promised effective support

NUGA President Prof. Bawa added “We invite additional support from corporate sponsors, media organizations, alumni associations, and political leaders to make these Games a resounding success. Together we can create opportunities for our student athletes and boost the profile of university sports.

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The University of Calabar has been confirmed as the host of the 28th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association Games, scheduled for August 2026.

NUGA announced this in a Facebook post on Wednesday, stating that the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, formally received the hosting flag and signed the Memorandum of Agreement, officially granting UNICAL the mandate to host the Games.

“The University of Calabar is officially set to host the 28th NUGA Games.

“The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, formally received the hosting flag and signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), officially granting the university the mandate to host the Games,” the statement read.

According to NUGA, the flag handover and MoA signing took place during a courtesy visit by the NUGA Games Committee, led by the Chairman of UNICAL NUGA Games 2026, Prof. Lukas Ogunjimi.

“The flag handover and MoA signing took place during a courtesy visit by the NUGA Games Committee, led by the Chairman of UNICAL NUGA Games 2026, Prof. Lukas Ogunjimi.

 “The Vice Chancellor assured the delegation of the University’s full commitment to delivering what he described as ‘the best NUGA Games ever,’ while highlighting Calabar’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming host city,” the post added.

The association also disclosed that the Cross River State Government will serve as the Chief Host for the Games, with preparations already underway ahead of the event.

“With the Cross River State Government serving as Chief Host, preparations are already underway for the Games scheduled for August 2026, as UNICAL positions itself to deliver a memorable sporting and cultural experience for athletes, officials, and guests from across the country,” the statement said.

Recall that the 27th edition of the NUGA Games was hosted by the University of Jos and held in November 2025.

The competition brought together student-athletes from universities across Nigeria to compete in various sporting events under the theme Unity, Play, and Peace, celebrating sportsmanship, youth empowerment and cultural integration.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, has secured provisional hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games scheduled for 2028, marking a return of the biennial event to the institution after more than two decades.

(PUNCH)

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Enugu – As the dates for the 2025 Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA) draw closer, Team ESUT will participate in 10 sporting events, ESUT Monitor can report

The number of events were confirmed following the conclusion of Zone O qualification series in Enugu on Saturday.

The 10 events Team Enugu will participate in include:  Football, volleyball, throws and jumps, track events, table tennis, badminton, chess, Scrabble, swimming and e- sports.

The 27^th edition of NUGA will hold from 6^th to 16^th November, 2025 at the University of Jos, Plateau State.

The NUGA Games serve as Nigeria’s premier inter-university sports competition, featuring 7,457 accredited athletes and officials from across the country, competing in multiple sporting disciplines.

NUGA is a biennial event that brings together student-athletes from universities across Nigeria, promoting FISU’s motto: “Excellence in Mind and Body.” FISU has a general motto of “Excellence in Mind and Body,” which promotes combining high-level sports performance with academic pursuits.

Founded 1965, following the 1st West African University Games at the University of Ibadan, over 80 universities (private and public) and more than 75,000 athletes have participated in the Games since inception.

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