All set for NUGA 2026 as Calabar reawakens its sports legacy

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has assured Nigerians that Calabar is fully prepared and safe to host the 2026 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) competition.

He gave this assurance on Tuesday while leading a NUGA delegation and the management team of the University of Calabar on an inspection tour of facilities at the UJ Esuene Stadium.

Otu described Calabar as a peaceful, youth-friendly, and welcoming city with a beautiful environment suitable for hosting major sporting events.

“The field we are standing on today has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football legends like Uwenm Ekarika, Etim Essien, and John Okon,” he said. “The first captain of the national football team was also from Calabar.”

The governor expressed joy that NUGA is returning to Calabar after 35 years, adding that he is confident the event will be successful.

He praised the Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dorncklaimz Enamhe, for his dedication and commitment, saying he trusts him to deliver a memorable event.

Otu also highlighted Calabar’s strong sports history, noting that it was the first city in Nigeria where football was played.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting sports and restoring its pride of place in the state.
Enamhe said that Calabar has some of the best sports facilities in Nigeria, including the greenest stadium, a top basketball court, and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

He added that the city is home to top table tennis players and Africa’s biggest carnival, which creates opportunities for youth engagement.

He described the return of NUGA to Calabar as a major milestone for the state and its people.

(Source: NAN)