Exclusive: NUGA Games, Principal's Cup To Gulp N4.3 billion

NUGA Games, Principal's Cup To Gulp N4.3 billion

By Niyi Busari

Revamping of Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) the School Sports and the Principal's Cup will cost Federal Government Four billion and Three hundred million naira (N4,300,000,000), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Tinubu led government has set aside funds for talent hunts and sports development at the grassroots aimed at positioning the country among best sports countries around the world.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) in the 2025 budget has asked the government to set aside N4.3 billion for organisation of sporting events at the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions. Among the plans is to revive the school sports, the Principal's Cup and NUGA Games.

According to NSC, "This is to ensure sustainable sports development across the entire pyramid of schools sports programs - primary schools, secondary school, and universities. This will ensure identification and harnessing of young talents across the country through school in line to best international practices. In the 2023 Paris Olympics, 38% of medals won were by students this school sports is very critical to sustainable development. Thus revamping school sports in Nigeria will be one of jey legacies for the Renewed Hope Agenda"

In 1966, the first Nigerian University Games was held at the University of Ibadan after successful hosting of the West Africa University Games (WAUG). Only five Universities in Nigeria at that time namely: University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Lagos, Akoka and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria participated.

The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) organizes university-level sports events in Nigeria. It hosts an inter-university sports competition called the University Games.

NUGA approves fifteen different sporting events at the University Games: track and field, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, handball, hockey, judo, soccer, squash, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, and volleyball.

Over the years, many University athletes have represented Nigeria at various international competitions like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Some of the notable ones include Seyi Olofinjana (Football), Vincent Enyeama (Football), Bisi Afolabi (Athletics), Olumide Oyedeji (Basketball), Chika Chukwumerije (Taekwondo) and Olusoji Fasuba (Athletics), who is the current African record holder in 100 metres (Men) with a time of 9.85 seconds.

It is pertinent to add that many more University athletes have turned professional after completing their University education.

In 1970, NUGA became a member of the World Federation of University Games (FISU), and in 1974 was a founding member of the All Africa University Games Association (FASU).