Unical to Host 50 Universities and 50,000 Athletes for 28th NUGA Games

Posted : 19 June 2026

The University of Calabar is rapidly finalizing its extensive institutional preparations to successfully host the upcoming 28th edition of the prestigious National University Games Association sporting festival. This massive multi-sport collegiate tournament is officially scheduled to take place from November 14 to November 24, 2026, within the vibrant capital city of Cross River State. The highly anticipated competition represents a monumental landmark milestone for the advancement of grassroots youth sports development and national unity across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Vice Chancellor Professor Offiong Offiong proudly declared the institution's absolute readiness during a well-attended media parley held yesterday in the university council chamber. The academic administration has officially suspended all Wednesday lectures and practical classes to grant student-athletes sufficient unhindered training intervals before November. This strategic schedule modification clearly demonstrates their intense determination to completely dominate the ultimate tournament medals table as the primary host.

Over 50,000 exceptional student-athletes drawn from 50 public and private universities across the country are fully expected to converge on the ancient city. These elite collegiate competitors will fiercely contest for ultimate honors across 28 officially approved sporting disciplines during the ten-day festival. The broad athletic program features popular events such as football, basketball, athletics, rugby, tennis, judo, taekwondo, swimming, volleyball, and competitive e-sports.

This magnificent tournament represents a truly historic return to the institution, which last successfully hosted these national university games far back in 1990. Professor Offiong, who remarkably competed as a young student-athlete in judo during that 1990 edition, promised an unforgettable experience. The university is actively upgrading its physical infrastructure, including constructing a state-of-the-art indoor sports hall that will benefit the community for decades.

The institution is collaborating very closely with the Cross River State Government and federal security agencies to ensure maximum safety throughout the competition. Professor Offiong described Cross River as the most peaceful state in the nation, assuring all foreign and domestic visitors of a secure environment. Executive Governor Bassey Otu has promised substantial financial and logistical backing as the Chief Host to guarantee a seamless tournament execution.

Corporate organizers have officially brand-named this unique 2026 edition as the "Paradise Games," beautifully blending the energetic Calabar carnival culture into the official schedule. The tournament will proudly pioneer digital innovation by deploying an intelligent electronic registration registry alongside a dedicated collegiate e-marketplace for commerce. This modern tech-driven framework aims to completely transform university sports management while creating durable financial opportunities for stakeholders nationwide.

Unical to Host 50 Universities and 50,000 Athletes for 28th NUGA Games

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