The ancient city of Calabar will once again take center stage in Nigerian university sports as the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) announced the University of Calabar (UNICAL) as host of the 2026 edition — marking the return of the Games to the Cross River capital after 35 years.
The historic announcement was made by NUGA Acting President, Dr. Michael A. Ajibua, alongside Secretary-General, Mr. Yunusa M. Bazza, and Chairman Technical, Prof. Musa G. Yakasai, during a courtesy visit to UNICAL’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi.
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Calabar last hosted the prestigious student sports festival in 1990, with the event widely remembered as one of the most successful editions in NUGA’s history. Now, with renewed energy and upgraded facilities, UNICAL is set to rekindle that legacy.
During a facility tour, the NUGA delegation inspected venues including the U.J. Esuene Sports Complex, Abraham Ordia Stadium, and newly built tennis courts within UNICAL’s campus. Dr. Ajibua described UNICAL’s tennis court as “the best in any Nigerian university,” adding that the institution already boasts facilities capable of hosting the Games within six months.
Prof. Yakasai echoed this confidence, stating that 90% of the required facilities are ready, setting the stage for “the best NUGA Games ever.”
In her response, Prof. Obi hailed the return of NUGA to Calabar as a victory for the university and the state, pledging to upgrade remaining facilities to international standards. “We will not just host the Games, we will deliver an unforgettable edition,” she assured.
Cross River State’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, also pledged government support, affirming that hosting aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s people-focused agenda.
The Executive Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Dr. Dorn-Kclaimz Enamhe, credited the Vice Chancellor’s persistence for securing the rights, promising a memorable festival of sports, culture, and unity.
Stakeholders including Hogis Hotels CEO, Dr. Ikechukwu Henry, and MediaVision Limited described the announcement as a collective win for Cross River State and a chance to project Calabar as a hub of sports tourism.
With the eyes of the nation now fixed on Calabar, the countdown to NUGA 2026 begins — a homecoming edition set to blend competitive excellence with cultural celebration, reaffirming the Games’ place as Nigeria’s biggest collegiate sporting event.
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