The 27th Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) Games officially kicked off on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), Plateau State, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 2025 NUGA Games, running November 6–16 at Naraguta Campus, feature over 18 sports, including football, basketball, athletics, boxing, para-athletics, cricket, chess, squash, taekwondo, and e-sports, with a scientific conference also scheduled.
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Federal University of Technology, Minna, Federal University Dutse (Jigawa), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Northwest University, Kano, University of Ibadan, Afe Babalola University, Kwara State University, Yobe State University, Nigeria Maritime University, and Federal University Wukari (Taraba State) with more teams expected Friday.
Accommodation delays affected some, notably University of Ibadan, with athletes raising concerns about the condition of the rooms. Most campus preparations are complete, with basketball and lawn tennis courts ready and final touches on the main football pitch.
Accreditation took place today at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, following volunteer orientation on Wednesday, November 5. A technical meeting is scheduled Friday ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday, November 8, when events including badminton, scrabble, beach volleyball, football, and handball begin.
The last edition, hosted by UNILAG in 2022, saw the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) crowned champions with 31 medals, followed by UNILAG (16), Nile University (6), and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (5). UNIPORT has now dominated the last four editions.
With the 27th NUGA Games underway, excitement is building among students, athletes, and fans nationwide, all eager for another thrilling chapter in Nigerian university sports.
Follow ACLSports for updates and exclusive coverage from the University of Jos throughout the tournament on X (@acl_sports) and TikTok (@aclsportshub).
By: David Simon, reporting from Jos, Plateau State
