By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) and the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) have officially unveiled OMON the Gorilla as the official mascot of the 28th NUGA Games, scheduled to hold in Calabar, Cross River State, from November 14 to 24, 2026.
The mascot, inspired by the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla, was presented as a symbol of strength, resilience, unity, excellence, and determination, values the organisers say embody the spirit of university sports and the aspirations of student-athletes across Nigeria.
According to the organisers, OMON will serve as the face of the Games and will feature prominently in promotional campaigns, community outreach programmes, volunteer engagements, and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability ahead of the tournament.
The 28th edition of the NUGA Games is expected to attract about 95 universities and over 10,000 athletes, coaches, sports administrators, volunteers, and spectators from across the country to compete in 24 sporting events.
The University of Calabar, which will host the national university sporting festival, has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development, talent discovery, and infrastructure enhancement as it intensifies preparations for the competition.
NUGA President, Prof. Bawa Mohammed, described the Games as an opportunity to showcase sporting talents, foster national unity, and strengthen the development of university sports in Nigeria.
Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, assured participants of adequate security, noting that the institution would work closely with security agencies to guarantee the safety of athletes and officials throughout the competition.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, organisers said the event is expected to deliver lasting social and economic benefits to the host community while promoting Cross River State as a leading destination for sports tourism and environmental conservation.
The 2026 edition will feature a diverse range of sporting events, with Squash, Rugby, and Hockey joining traditional competitions such as Athletics, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, and Boxing.
Other events listed include Chess, Scrabble, Cricket, Taekwondo, Handball, Esports, Beach Volleyball, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Beach Soccer, Judo, Baseball, Karate, Five-a-Side Hockey, Strongman, Rowing, Canoeing, and Sailing.
