No fewer than 50,000 athletes from 50 universities would be participating in the forthcoming National University Games Association (NUGA) to be hosted by the University of Calabar (UNICAL) this year.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Offiong Offiong who stated this while briefing the media in Calabar on the university’s preparedness to host the 28th edition of the games said the university is ready to host the best ever NUGA Games slated for Nov. 14 to Nov. 24.

The Vice Chancellor, who said that “the athletes would be competing in 28 games, promised to deliver the most memorable and best NUGA games ever.”

He said, “We are fully prepared to host one of the best NUGA games in history. This media parley is to tell the world that we are ready.

“With unwavering integrity and commitment to excellence and decency, we are prepared to deliver an unforgettable experience that reflects the values of fair play, respect, and comraderie that NUGA stands for.

“We are putting in place world class facilities including an indoor sports hall to host the game this university last hosted in 1990 where i competed in judo.

“The students, staff, and the entire residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital are prepared to receive contingents from across the country.”

Offiong who described Cross River as the most peaceful in Nigeria said the state is open to hosting visitors, adding that the university is working closely with the state government and the security agencies to ensure that adequate security is put in place for the atlethes, officials and visitor throughout the duration of the games.

The Vice Chancellor thanked the Nigerian Government through the National Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Education for their support towards the success of the games.

Offiong, who particularly commended President Bola Tinubu for promoting sports, also thanked the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for supporting the university to organise a memorable event.

He said, “The state government has been very supportive because they know hosting over 50,000 visitors will significantly boost the local economy”. he noted.

While highlighted the significance of the games, the Vice Chancellor noted that they present an opportunity to demonstrate the peace, hospitality and vibrancy of Calabar.

“The University of Calabar is ready to impact society, develop sports talent and strengthen partnerships that will boost both sports and business in the state,” he said.

He said that the games would not showcase the potential of Nigerian youths but also change the narrative about Cross River and drive infrastructural and social development in the state..

According to the organisers the approved sports include rugby, tennis, table tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, handball, judo, taekwondo, scrabble, swimming, football, volleyball, hockey, boxing, e-sports, rowing and yachting, karate, beach volleyball, and squash

The briefing was attended by the Chief Executive of Builders Consultants Limited and UNICAL 2026 NUGA Games Consultant, Engr Jorge Etibeng and members of University of Calabar Sports Council.