The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has unveiled ambitious plans to develop modern sports infrastructure and build a formidable team ahead of the 28th edition of the Nigeria Universities Games Association (NUGA) Games, which the institution will host from November 14 to 24, 2026.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong E. Effiong, made the disclosure while briefing the media on preparations for the national university sporting festival, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to delivering a world-class event and securing a strong showing on the field of play.

UNICAL is expected to welcome about 50 universities and more than 50,000 athletes, officials, and spectators for the competition, which will feature 28 sporting events. The university officially secured hosting rights for the Games earlier this year after receiving the NUGA hosting flag and signing the Memorandum of Agreement with the association.

To boost the university’s chances of success, Prof. Effiong charged students to begin intensive preparations aimed at winning the overall title and topping the medal table. As part of efforts to identify and nurture talents, the university has introduced a weekly sports programme that will see lectures suspended every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to encourage participation in sporting activities.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the initiative is designed not only to prepare athletes for NUGA 2026 but also to create a sustainable sports culture capable of producing future national and international champions.

Beyond the competition itself, Prof. Effiong said hosting the Games presents an opportunity for the university to establish state-of-the-art sports facilities that will serve generations of students long after the event. He noted that the planned infrastructure projects would strengthen sports development, enhance recreational opportunities, and position UNICAL as a leading hub for university sports in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed confidence in the institution’s readiness to host the Games, describing Calabar as a peaceful and hospitable destination capable of providing athletes and visitors with a memorable sporting and cultural experience. Similar assurances were given during the formal handover of the hosting rights, where the university pledged to stage one of the best editions of the Games in NUGA history.

Prof. Effiong called on the Cross River State Government, corporate organisations, alumni, political leaders, and the media to support the successful hosting of the event, stressing that collective efforts would help create a lasting legacy for university sports in Nigeria.

With preparations gathering momentum and infrastructure plans taking shape, expectations are high that NUGA 2026 will not only showcase athletic excellence but also leave behind facilities and programmes that will benefit the university community for years to come. The Games are expected to pr