Date: August 7, 2026
By Jane Daniels
ABAKAKIKI -The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Abakaliki, has set a target of 50 schools and 3,000 student-athletes for its maiden Unity Games and Schools Sports Championship in Ebonyi State.
The association also projected attendance of about 10,000 parents and spectators, over 500 teachers and coaches, as well as government officials, corporate organisations, media houses, sports scouts and international partners.
Speaking at a press conference in Abakaliki, Chairman of the NAPPS Abakaliki Unity Games and Schools Sports Championship, Mr. Peter Osisikankwu, said the event is designed to become one of Nigeria’s biggest private school sporting festivals.
He said the championship will officially commence on September 19, 2026, with regional competitions scheduled for September to October, while the grand finale will hold on October 12, 2026.
Osisikankwu explained that the initiative is aimed at positioning Ebonyi State as Nigeria’s leading hub for grassroots sports development by nurturing young talents, promoting excellence and creating pathways to national and international sporting success. He added that the championship would also provide student-athletes with a professionally organised platform to promote discipline, leadership, teamwork and equal opportunities while identifying talents capable of representing Ebonyi State, Nigeria and Africa on the global stage.
Speaking on the theme, “Uniting Schools • Discovering Champions • Building the Future,” Osisikankwu said the championship aims to unite schools, discover young talents and build future champions through sports.
“The Abakaliki Unity Games & Inter- School Sports Championship is a flagship annual inter-school sporting festival designed to unite private schools across Ebonyi State through healthy competition while discovering the next generation of sporting stars.
“The championship is more than a competition—it is a youth empowerment and talent development initiative aimed at transforming grassroots sports into a sustainable pathway for educational advancement, professional careers, and economic opportunities.
“For emphasis, our vision is to create an internationally recognised sporting event that showcases the immense talents of Ebonyi children while positioning the State as one of Africa’s emerging centres for youth sports development.
“The championship matters because across Nigeria, countless gifted children often times are left without the opportunity to showcase their abilities.”
He said the championship is expected to identify outstanding young athletes in football, athletics, basketball, volleyball and other sporting events, while promoting discipline, leadership, teamwork and healthy competition among students.
According to him, the initiative will also encourage improved academic performance, school attendance and positive social behaviour, create opportunities for scholarships, international tournaments and exchange programmes, as well as promote sports tourism, youth employment and investment in Ebonyi State.
“By combining education with sports, this initiative seeks to build stronger schools, healthier communities and future champions who will proudly represent Ebonyi State across Nigeria and the world.
“In the course of the event, sponsors will receive Premium Brand Visibility. In other words, your brand will be promoted before, during and after the championship through education and healthy lifestyles while demonstrating your commitment to community development.”
