The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) has postponed the 28th edition of its national games, which was scheduled to be held at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) from November 14 to 24, 2026.
The competition, tagged the “Paradise Games”, has been moved to 2027, although the association is yet to announce new dates.
NUGA announced the postponement in a statement on October 29, saying updated schedules and logistical arrangements would be communicated through its official channels.
The association, however, did not disclose the reason for the decision, which comes after months of preparations by the host university.
In anticipation of the competition, UNICAL had suspended lectures and practical classes every Wednesday to enable student-athletes to prepare for the games.
The university was also expecting more than 50,000 athletes, officials and visitors for the sporting event.
At a media briefing in June, the university management expressed confidence in its readiness, citing its collaboration with the Cross River State Government and security agencies to ensure a successful competition.
The postponement is expected to affect student-athletes who had stepped up preparations, as well as the university's arrangements for hosting the national sporting event.
As of press time, UNICAL management had yet to issue an official reaction to the development, while students awaited further directives on the academic calendar adjustments made ahead of the competition.
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