Senator Bassey Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, has affirmed that Calabar is fully equipped and secure to host the 2026 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) event.
During a comprehensive evaluation of the UJ Esuene Stadium facilities, Governor Otu, alongside representatives from NUGA and the University of Calabar (UNICAL) management-who secured the hosting rights-expressed confidence in the city’s readiness.
He portrayed Calabar as a vibrant, peaceful, and youth-oriented city, enriched with lush greenery, making it an ideal venue for both national and international sports competitions.
“This very ground has nurtured some of Nigeria’s legendary football talents, such as Uwem Ekarika, Etim Esin, and John Okon. Notably, the first captain of Nigeria’s national football team hailed from Calabar and led the squad on their pioneering competitive tour to England,” Governor Otu remarked.
Welcoming NUGA’s return to Calabar after a 35-year interval, the governor expressed optimism about the event’s success, particularly under the capable leadership of Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe, the Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee.
He also emphasized Calabar’s rich sporting heritage, highlighting it as the birthplace of football in Nigeria.
“Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe is renowned for his unwavering dedication and responsibility. I am confident he will execute this national assignment with excellence,” the governor added.
Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to advancing sports, noting significant strides made over the past two years to elevate Cross River State’s sporting profile.
Echoing the governor’s points, Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe noted that Uwem Ekarika, Etim Esin, and John Okon, all mentioned earlier, represented both the Rovers club and the national team, underscoring Calabar’s foundational role in Nigerian football.
He further highlighted Calabar’s exceptional sports infrastructure, including the country’s greenest stadium, top-tier basketball courts, and an Olympic-standard swimming pool.
“A native of Cross River was the inaugural captain of Nigeria’s national football team and led the first international tour to the UK. Calabar is also renowned for producing world-class table tennis champions and hosts Africa’s largest carnival, fostering meaningful youth engagement. UNICAL’s hosting of NUGA after 35 years is a monumental achievement for the state,” he stated.
The inspection team also included Hon. Agnes Atsu, Commissioner for Sports Development; Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties; Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe, Executive Secretary of NUGA 2026; Mrs. Opeoluwa Adeyemo-Anjorin, CEO; and Ugochukwu Osuji, Chief Growth Officer, among others.
