Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has assured that the historic city of Calabar is fully prepared and safe to host the 2026 edition of the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).
Governor Otu expressed this assurance during an inspection tour of facilities at the UJ Esuene Stadium, accompanied by a delegation from NUGA and the management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), which secured the hosting rights.
The governor described Calabar as a youth-friendly, peaceful, and welcoming city, boasting a serene and green environment that is ideal for hosting national and international sporting events.
“The field we are standing on today has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, including Uwem Ekarika, Etim Essien, and John Okon. The first national football team captain was from Calabar, leading the team to England for competitive matches,” Otu stated.
Expressing his gratitude for NUGA’s return to Calabar after 35 years, Governor Otu expressed confidence that the event would be a tremendous success under the leadership of Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe, Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee.
He further emphasised Calabar’s rich historical connection to sports, noting that it was the first city in Nigeria where football was played.
“Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe is renowned for his dedication and commitment to any responsibility entrusted to him. I have no doubt he will excel in this national assignment,” the governor added.
Governor Otu also reiterated his administration’s dedication to sports development, highlighting that the state government has significantly promoted sporting activities over the past two years, restoring pride to Cross River State.
Papa Dorncklaimz noted that Uwem Ekarika, Etim Essien, and John Okon, mentioned by the Governor, played for Rovers and the national team, and reaffirmed that football was first played in Calabar.
He stated that Calabar possesses the greenest stadium in Nigeria, the best basketball court, and a world-class Olympic-size swimming pool, among other facilities.
“A Cross Riverian was the first captain of the national team. A Cross Riverian captained the first international tour of Nigerians to the UK. Calabar is home to table tennis with world-class champions and hosts the biggest carnival in Africa, where youths can interact effectively. UNICAL hosting NUGA after 35 years is a significant achievement for the state,” he said.
Other officials present during the inspection tour included the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu; Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba; Executive Secretary of NUGA 2026, Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe; Mrs. Opeoluwa Adeyemo-Anjorin, Chief Executive Officer; and Ugochukwu Osuji, Chief Growth Officer, among others.
